ArcelorMittal Fuel Oil Spill Reported in Ghent-Terneuzen Canal

Ghent – A recent fuel oil spill at the ArcelorMittal steel plant in Ghent has led to contamination of the Ghent-Terneuzen canal. Emergency services quickly intervened, with firefighters isolating the pollution using containment booms along a one-kilometre stretch. A specialized external team was brought in to remove the oil, which originated from a faulty heating installation.

The leak was first detected late last night by a staff member at the ArcelorMittal facility. An issue with the plant’s heating system reportedly allowed fuel oil to flow into the sewer system and eventually into the canal. The fuel spread across a significant section of the waterway, according to VRT.

Firefighters swiftly responded using oil-absorbing aprons to contain the spill, while cleanup crews equipped with skimmers worked to separate lighter and heavier fuel components from the water. Maritime traffic was temporarily disrupted as boats rerouted to avoid the cleanup zones.

“Around 1:30 last night, the fire brigade was called to a fuel oil leak from the ArcelorMittal company,”

stated Björn Bryon of the Ghent fire brigade.

“The oil ended up in the Ghent-Terneuzen canal via a sewer. After checking, it turned out that the pollution was 1 kilometre long.”

“The lighter fractions are sucked away and then discharged. For the heavier fractions, the Civil Protection uses skimmers. These are placed on the water and scrape away the heavy fuel oil fractions,”

explained a spokesperson from ArcelorMittal.

The Ghent port area, a vital hub for industrial and maritime activity since the 19th century, has experienced occasional environmental and safety incidents due to the handling of hazardous materials such as chemicals and scrap metal. One notable case occurred in June 2022, when a bulk carrier caught fire during scrap loading operations at Sifferdok. Fortunately, that incident resulted in no injuries.

Authorities have been taking steps to improve environmental safety and sustainability within the port. Recent infrastructure upgrades, including the construction of new quay walls, aim to enhance waterway logistics while reducing road traffic, emissions, and other industrial risks.


Comments

5 responses to “ArcelorMittal Fuel Oil Spill Reported in Ghent-Terneuzen Canal”

  1. Pockets Avatar
    Pockets

    Oh, marvellous! Just what the Ghent-Terneuzen canal needed—an oil spill to spice up its serene waters. Who needs a picturesque view when you can have a floating oil painting instead? 😂

  2. Flashpoint Avatar
    Flashpoint

    Oh, just what Ghent needed—an impromptu oil slick to really spice up the canal! 🙄 Who needs a picturesque view when you can have a front-row seat to the latest ArcelorMittal art installation? 🖼️💦

  3. sweet manhattan Avatar
    sweet manhattan

    Just when you thought the Ghent-Terneuzen canal was running dry of excitement, ArcelorMittal decided to spice things up with a little oil spill. I suppose “green energy” was too mainstream for them, eh? 😂💧

  4. sugar domino Avatar
    sugar domino

    Just what Ghent needed—an oil spill to spice up the canal! 🌊 Who needs a picturesque waterfront when you can have an impromptu oil painting instead? 🎨💁‍♂️

  5. Knuckles Avatar
    Knuckles

    Just another day in Ghent, where industrial spills are the new “art installations” along the canal. Who needs a river cruise when you can enjoy a scenic view of fuel oil, eh? 😂💦

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