A leak of highly hazardous hydrofluoric acid from a container ship caused a major emergency response and disrupted operations at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges in Belgium.
The incident occurred on 14 July aboard the Liberia-flagged container ship MSC Mia Summer II, which was berthed at the MSC PSA European Terminal in the Deurganck Dock area.
According to initial information, a damaged container began releasing hydrofluoric acid vapour. Emergency services established a safety perimeter around the vessel and evacuated workers from the affected terminal areas.
A total of 155 people underwent medical examinations after potentially being exposed to the toxic substance. Twenty-eight people remained in hospital for further treatment and observation, while one person was reportedly admitted to intensive care.
Operations at the MSC PSA European Terminal and the nearby Antwerp Gateway terminal were temporarily suspended. Vessel traffic in the affected section of the port was also halted while emergency teams monitored air quality and worked to contain the leak.
Hydrofluoric acid is a highly corrosive and toxic substance. Exposure to its vapour can damage the respiratory system, eyes and skin. Unlike many other acids, it can penetrate body tissue and cause serious internal injuries, sometimes before severe symptoms become immediately apparent.
Specialist hazardous-material teams prepared to remove the damaged container using a protective drip tray filled with lime. The container was then expected to be sealed and transferred to a secure location for further inspection and disposal.
By the following day, authorities reported that the release of toxic vapour had significantly decreased. Shipping operations gradually resumed in other parts of the port, although restrictions remained in place around the affected berth until the container could be safely removed.
The precise cause of the container damage has not yet been officially confirmed. Authorities are expected to investigate whether the leak resulted from damage during cargo handling, improper securing, structural failure of the container or another technical issue.
The incident highlights the serious risks involved in transporting hazardous chemicals by sea. It also demonstrates the importance of correct cargo declaration, container inspection, emergency training and rapid coordination between ship crews, terminal personnel and specialist response teams.
