The Flemish-Dutch Joint Nautical Authority has halted all maritime traffic in the Scheldt estuary area. The decision means a halt to all shipping in the River Scheldt (Schelde) estuary and on the Ghent-Terneuzen Canal.
The measure took effect at 7AM and is planned to last till 11PM unless the situation improves markedly in the meantime. Shipping has been banned from commencing the approach to the Port of Antwerp. The same goes for the ports of Flushing and Braakmanhaven in the Netherlands. The halt to navigation also affects canal traffic and vessels that do not require the services of a pilot.
The Joint Nautical Authority believes the extreme weather will continue till 11PM. Depending on developments restrictions may be eased early or extended.
35 vessels are unable to leave or access Antwerp. For Zeebrugge the figure is around 20. Around a dozen ships are blocked in the North Sea Port, the port area stretching from Ghent to Flushing.