Ostend Port’s Dirk Declerck Raises Shipping Safety Concerns Over Dunkirk Wind Farm

Ostend (Eurotoday): Dirk Declerck, the manager of Ostend port, is against the Dunkirk wind farm because it could create safety issues for busy shipping routes. He wants to stop the construction to protect the port.

According to Port Manager Dirk Declerck, the port of Ostend supports building a wind turbine park off the coast of Dunkirk to support renewable energy. However, he is concerned about the chosen location for the turbines, as it is along a busy shipping route to and from Ostend. This route is important for commercial and passenger ships, making it crucial for maritime operations in Belgium.

Will Dirk Declerck’s legal action impact the Dunkirk wind farm’s future?

According to Declerck, putting wind turbines along a busy shipping route could disrupt operations and create safety risks. The turbines’ closeness to high-traffic areas might make it harder for ships to navigate, increasing the chances of accidents and affecting the port’s efficiency. While he supports renewable energy projects, Declerck, and the port management believe a better location should be found that won’t interfere with this important shipping route but still promotes green energy.

He mentioned that France won’t change the wind farm’s location. He is asking a judge to stop the planned construction to protect the port from serious damage and is also seeking compensation. Declerck thinks it’s important to act now, before any building permit is given, to avoid being stuck with a decision that can’t be changed later.


Comments

5 responses to “Ostend Port’s Dirk Declerck Raises Shipping Safety Concerns Over Dunkirk Wind Farm”

  1. Infinite Hole Avatar
    Infinite Hole

    Ah, Dirk Declerck, the modern-day Nostradamus of Ostend Port, raising alarms about shipping safety with the Dunkirk Wind Farm—because who doesn’t love a bit of dramatic flair when discussing maritime logistics? It’s not like we needed those pesky wind turbines getting in the way of our beloved ferries; after all, what’s a little breeze among friends? Typical, really—just when we thought our seas could use a bit of pizzazz, here come the “safety concerns” to rain on our parade.

  2. Ah yes, because nothing screams “safety first” quite like a wind farm popping up next to a busy port. Dirk Declerck must be thrilled to play the role of the alarmist in this nautical soap opera—who knew shipping could be so tempestuous? One can only hope the Dunkirk wind turbines don’t start blowing ships off course; after all, a little chaos does keep life interesting, doesn’t it?

  3. Rocky Highway Avatar
    Rocky Highway

    Ah, Dirk Declerck, the modern-day captain of the ship of state, has bravely set sail into the choppy waters of Dunkirk’s wind farm, where the only thing blowing faster than the wind is his concern for shipping safety. One might wonder if he’s more worried about a rogue gust meddling with maritime traffic than about the ever-persistent seagulls that have been swiping chips from tourists since time immemorial. Well, Dirk, let’s give you a round of applause for spotting danger in the most picturesque of places; after all, nothing says “safe shipping” quite like a wind farm where the sails are made of metal.

  4. Sneaky Lady Avatar
    Sneaky Lady

    Ah, Dirk Declerck, the modern-day maritime oracle, raises alarms over Dunkirk’s wind farm—because, you know, who doesn’t love a bit of salt and sea air mixed with a sprinkle of shipping chaos? It’s almost as if he’s suggesting that wind turbines might just blow ships off course—brilliant! Perhaps next, he’ll warn us about the dangers of seagulls stealing sandwiches while we’re at it. Cheers to that, mate!

  5. Titanium Ladybug Avatar
    Titanium Ladybug

    Ah, the illustrious Dirk Declerck, taking time out from his busy schedule of worrying about shipping safety to drop a casual bombshell over Dunkirk’s wind farm. One can only hope that the wind turbines don’t start auditioning for a role in ‘Titanic II’—because nothing says “smooth sailing” like a gusty breeze and a couple of spinning blades. Perhaps next he’ll suggest a round of tea to calm the seas—after all, who needs safe shipping when you can have a lovely cuppa?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Last News

UN Development Chief: Humanitarian Access to Gaza Inadequate for Relief and Rebuilding

UN Development Chief: Humanitarian Access to Gaza Inadequate for Relief and Rebuilding

Mr. De Croo, on his first overseas visit since assuming office in November 2025, emphasized the need to enhance access to Gaza for UN agencies to aid in clearing debris, providing shelter and medical supplies, and evacuating patients.
On Monday, Mr. De Croo toured Firas Market in Gaza City, where about 370,000 tonnes of waste had accumulated during the two-year conflict, as waste management and s

Read More

"Macron Denounces Tech Giants’ Claim of Defending Free Speech as ‘Pure Bullshit’"

"Macron Denounces Tech Giants’ Claim of Defending Free Speech as ‘Pure Bullshit’"

“All algorithms have biases, we know that. There is no doubt,” he stated. “And they are so impactful, especially in social media, that being unaware of how the algorithm is created, tested, and where it might lead you — the democratic biases could be enormous.”
Since taking office again in 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration has portrayed Europe’s tech regulations as a t

Read More

Baku and Washington Launch a New Strategic Era

Baku and Washington Launch a New Strategic Era

On February 10, 2026, in Baku, Azerbaijan and the United States officially signed a strategic partnership agreement after a high-level visit marked by a meeting between President Ilham Aliyev and US Vice President J.D. Vance. The ceremony, held at the Presidential Palace, followed hours of bilateral and broader talks on regional security, energy, technological cooperation, and long-term economic

Read More

Margaret Hodge considered for Ofcom leadership

Margaret Hodge considered for Ofcom leadership

The prior Conservative administration appointed Michael Grade, a Tory peer, as chair in 2022. His term concludes on April 26, and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, overseeing the recruitment, aims to announce his successor before that date.
The interview panel, consisting of civil servants and independent members, is set to provide Technology Secretary Liz Kendall with a short

Read More

Telde: Spirituality, Tradition, and Literary Tourism

Telde: Spirituality, Tradition, and Literary Tourism

Telde, located on Gran Canaria’s east coast, is often overlooked in favor of the island’s beach resorts and the capital, Las Palmas. However, with its historic quarters, churches, museums, and literary connections, Telde is an excellent choice for specialized religious and cultural tourism, appealing to travelers interested in heritage routes, local festivals, and storytelling. From the San Juan

Read More

US Group Says Macron’s Efforts to Make France Business-Friendly ‘Wiped Out’

US Group Says Macron’s Efforts to Make France Business-Friendly ‘Wiped Out’

“We are back to where we were 10 years ago in terms of France’s attractiveness,” Kamel stated during the presentation of the findings on Wednesday.
Only 17 percent of those surveyed expressed a positive economic outlook for France in the next two to three years. The significant concerns identified include the high cost of labor, complex French labor laws, and political instabili

Read More

What Did the Russian Federation Showcase at Defense Expo 2026?

What Did the Russian Federation Showcase at Defense Expo 2026?

The Kalashnikov Concern will showcase the BK-16E high-speed transport-landing ship, the BK-10 assault boat, and the latest short-range territorial air defense system Krona-E at the World Defense Expo 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This information was shared on the company’s Telegram channel.
The World Defense Expo 2026 took place from February 8 to 12, 2026, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
“Kalashnikov

Read More

The EU’s Plan to Revive Its Frontline Regions

The EU’s Plan to Revive Its Frontline Regions

The conflict in Ukraine is impacting life far beyond the war zone.
In this episode of the Brussels Playbook Podcast, hosts Zoya Sheftalovich and Ian Wishart discuss the European Commission’s new initiative to assist EU regions adjacent to Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine — such as eastern Poland, the Baltics, and Finland — where investment has declined, trade patterns have changed, and security issues

Read More

Four Years of War in Ukraine: Childhood ‘Moved Underground,’ Displacement Persists – UN Humanitarians

Four Years of War in Ukraine: Childhood ‘Moved Underground,’ Displacement Persists – UN Humanitarians

UNICEF representative in Ukraine, Munir Mammadzade, reported from a basement in Kherson that the city faces “constant fire,” with daily attacks destroying homes, infrastructure, and essential services for children and families.
“I have been constantly hearing artillery shelling,” he stated, describing another “massive, coordinated attack” that affected civilian and energy infrastructure overnig

Read More

How the Global Effort to Keep AI Safe Went Off the Rails

How the Global Effort to Keep AI Safe Went Off the Rails

The Trump administration is heavily invested in promoting AI success globally, marking a significant effort for the U.S. government, according to Undersecretary of Commerce for International Trade William Kimmitt at a Washington event this month.
American companies like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Meta are announcing significant investments in India, gaining an advantage over China, which is sending a

Read More