Antwerp Port Operations Halted Due To Toxic Chemical Leak
Several terminals at the Port of Antwerp were shut down this week following a highly toxic acid spill from a shipping container aboard the MSC vessel ‘Mia Summer II’.
According to reports, hydrofluoric acid began leaking from a container while the ship was docked at the port. Although the cause remains unclear, the leak is believed to have started during cargo operations.
More than 150 people were reportedly exposed to fumes, with 28 hospitalised after inhaling the dangerous chemical. One individual is understood to be in intensive care, according to Antwerp’s city government.
The affected area was evacuated and operations were temporarily suspended. Several terminals reopened on Wednesday afternoon, although one remained closed. The container has since been sealed and removed for safe disposal.
Fortunately, the fumes only affected crewmembers and port workers and did not spread into nearby residential areas.
Hydrofluoric acid is a highly reactive and poisonous substance used in several manufacturing processes. It is extremely corrosive and, in high concentrations, is powerful enough to dissolve glass. Although stored in liquid form, it evaporates readily, producing a toxic vapour. It is generally classified as a Class 8 corrosive substance with a subsidiary Class 6.1 toxic risk.
Even at lower concentrations, hydrofluoric acid can penetrate the skin and cause severe, deep burns. If it reaches the bloodstream, it can bind with calcium and magnesium, potentially causing serious cardiac complications. Inhaling the vapour can also be life-threatening, as it may cause swelling of the airway and obstruct breathing.
This incident highlights the importance of specialist dangerous goods support. Evolution Forwarding provides dangerous goods packing, logistics, training, consultancy, compliance and DGSA services.
