More than 70 activists from the environmental organisation Greenpeace blockaded the entrance to the port of Zeebrugge (Bruges – West Flanders) yesterday. Their aim was to stop ships from Russia and the United States from unloading liquefied natural gas (LNG) in the port. ‘We must stop being dependent on Russian and American gas, because it weakens Europe's position,’ the environmentalists say.
Greenpeace blockades Zeebrugge terminal: ‘Europe too dependent on Russian and American gas’
Colin Clapson
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Using motorboats, dozens of kayaks and one of their iconic ships, Greenpeace activists blockaded the terminal where gas tankers unload their LNG.
Greenpeace spokesperson Joeri Thijs: ‘LNG is not only bad for the environment, but many families also depend on gas to heat their homes. But above all, it is not okay that people here in Europe depend on gas from Russia and the United States, countries with authoritarian leaders like US President Trump or his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. This makes people in Europe far too vulnerable.’
Activists hid from the police and coastguard at various locations in Zeebrugge early yesterday morning. They waited until an LNG tanker left the port. As soon as that happened, the activists took to the water in rubber boats and kayaks. ‘We will stay here as long as we can. Normally, a gas tanker passes by here every day. As long as they don't come and remove us, we will persevere.’
Burgomaster says activists have a point
Dirk De fauw, vice-chairman of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges and Bruges mayor, has some understanding for the activists’ protest. ‘First and foremost, we are glad that the activists have only blocked the LNG terminal. Normal traffic can continue as usual, and fortunately the car terminals are not closed.’
"And yes, Europe is vulnerable because we have too few other energy sources. We too want to reduce dependency on fossil fuels like LNG in the long term. Unfortunately, however, Belgium still has too little energy available from the sun or wind. So we are forced to resort to more traditional sources. But we also recognise the need and are already working on an energy transition, for example by focusing on hydrogen. But that cannot be done in a single day’s time. It is a process that will take years."