A leak of hydrofluoric acid from a container aboard the container ship MSC Mia Summer II temporarily shut down two major terminals at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, disrupted vessel traffic and sent 28 people to hospital.
The incident happened on July 14 while the vessel was loading cargo at Deurganck Dock. Authorities said a container carrying hydrofluoric acid began leaking, releasing toxic fumes that triggered an emergency response.
Workers were evacuated from the MPET terminal, the nearby Antwerp Gateway terminal and the Kieldrecht Lock area. Police set up a safety cordon, while vessel traffic in nearby waterways was temporarily suspended as hazardous materials teams contained the leak.
Authorities said 155 people underwent medical check and 28 port workers and crew members were treated in hospital after inhaling the fumes, with one person admitted to intensive care. No dangerous concentrations were detected in nearby residential areas.
As of July 16, Antwerp Gateway had resumed operations and vessel traffic had partially restarted. The MPET terminal remained closed as emergency teams monitored the site. Containers next to the leaking unit aboard the vessel had been unloaded and cleaned, but the safety perimeter remained in place. Belgian prosecutors have opened an investigation into the incident.
Hydrofluoric acid is one of the most dangerous chemicals transported by sea. It can penetrate skin and tissue, while inhaling its vapours may cause severe respiratory injuries and life-threatening poisoning. Symptoms may appear several hours after exposure.
