GHENT – An incident at the ArcelorMittal steel plant in Ghent resulted in a substantial fuel oil spill into the Ghent-Terneuzen Canal, triggering a coordinated emergency response.

Last night, an employee detected a leak from a broken heating system, leading to fuel oil entering the canal via a sewer, spreading across a one-kilometre section.

Upon notification at approximately 1:30 a.m., local fire brigade personnel utilized oil containment measures to isolate the spill area.

Specialized teams then commenced the clean-up operations, employing skimmers to remove heavier fractions of the fuel oil from the water.

Maritime traffic faced brief service interruptions as vessels adjusted their routes to navigate around the containment barriers established by emergency services.

Björn Bryon from the fire brigade provided details on the operational response, indicating that both lighter and heavier fractions of the oil were addressed through targeted recovery methods.

The Ghent-Terneuzen Canal is integral to the port's operations, which have seen industrial activities since the late 19th century, evolving into a significant hub for steel, chemicals, and automotive manufacturing.

While incidents such as this are not uncommon given the nature of the port's activities, they highlight ongoing safety challenges associated with managing hazardous materials in industrial environments.

Previous incidents in the port region include a bulk carrier fire in June 2022 while loading scrap metal, which prompted an emergency response but resulted in no injuries.

The local port authorities have been working on implementing sustainable practices, such as constructing new quay walls aimed at enhancing safety, reducing road traffic, and minimizing emissions associated with industrial operations.

These efforts reflect a continued commitment to improving safety standards alongside advancing industrial infrastructure in Ghent's port area.