An expert tasked with assessing the damage caused by last week’s oil spill at the port of Antwerp has been appointed by the Ghent Commercial Court. The decision to appoint an expert follows a request from MSC, the shipping company that operates the container ship responsible for the spill. The spilled oil has already polluted several nature reserves. The expert is a member of the Nautical Commission. They will examine the consequences of the spill and draw up a report.
Last Thursday, a ship belonging to MSC Denmark VI began leaking oil whilst refuelling at the Deurganckdok in the port of Antwerp. Maritime traffic was severely disrupted for a considerable period. Since then, the oil has spread over a wide area and polluted several nature reserves.
The Galgenschoor area, on the right bank of the River Scheldt, is one area that has been particularly badly affected. The pollution stretches from Lillo to Zandvlietsluis and Berendrechtsluis.
Pollution on the left bank of the River Scheldt is less severe. However, traces of oil have also detected at several nature reserves in the Dutch province Zeeland and in the Western Scheldt estuary.
Investigation
The expert appointed by the Ghent Commercial Court has been tasked with investigating the impact of the incident. This assessment will subsequently determine who is liable for the damage caused.
Once investigation has been completed and an inspection carried, it may be possible for container ship to be allowed to resume sailing.
Clean-up operation
Meanwhile, an operation to clean up the oil is still in full swing. There is still disruption to shipping in the affected area.
The nature conservation organisation Het Zeeuwse Landschap launched a clean-up operation in the Hedwige polder, on just over the border in The Netherlands on Tuesday morning.
The Flemish environmental organisation Natuurpunt is concerned that the spread of pollution from the Scheldt to nearby nature reserves could disrupt several species of bird that next in vegetation on the edge of the river’s breeding season.