A cargo ship travelling from Antwerp to Limburg began leaking fuel shortly after passing through the Olen lock on the evening of 2025-08-21 14:40:00. A 15-centimeter hole in the vessel’s hull caused around 10,000 litres of gasoil to spill into the canal, raising environmental and navigational concerns.
- Vrachtschip lekt 10.000 liter gasolie
- Opruimwerken beperken olievlek tot donderdag
- Scheepvaartverkeer stilgelegd om verspreiding te voorkomen
- Geurhinder veroorzaakt sluiting rijstfabriek tijdelijk
- Schipper ondervraagd door scheepvaartpolitie woensdagavond
- Vlaamse Milieumaatschappij verwacht beperkte milieuschade
Although the ship is equipped with remote control technology, it was manually navigated at the time by the onboard skipper. Immediate containment measures were launched overnight to limit the spread of the oil slick, which stretched several kilometres and covered the canal’s entire width.
What impact will this spill have on local communities and the environment? And how effective are the ongoing cleanup efforts? These questions remain crucial as authorities continue their response.
Is the spill likely to cause long-term harm? Early indications suggest the damage will be manageable due to rapid intervention and the oil’s buoyant nature. Key points include:
- Navigation was manual during the incident, with the skipper questioned by maritime police.
- Containment booms were deployed to restrict the oil slick’s spread and facilitate removal.
- Local industries, such as a rice factory, faced temporary disruption due to odor concerns.
- Authorities remain vigilant to prevent contamination of the Oelegem drinking water station near Antwerp.
As cleanup continues, residents and businesses are advised to stay informed and follow local guidance. Will this event prompt stricter safety measures for inland shipping? Only time will tell, but vigilance remains essential to safeguard Belgium’s waterways.
