This morning, MSC has reported that operations at the Port of Antwerp were halted following a toxic gas leak from a container on Tuesday evening.

According to the carrier, terminal activities were immediately suspended, and personnel were evacuated as a precautionary measure.

MSC stated that the incident had significantly affected terminal activities. The affected terminals at the port are namely Quay 1700, Quay 1718, Quay 1742 and Medrep S11.

Belgian authorities activated the Medical Intervention Plan (MIP), while emergency and port authorities continued to monitor the situation.

Additional reports by the Brussels Times indicated that the leaking container was located in Waasland Port, Antwerp, near Deurganck Dock in Doel, where the vessel MSC Mia Summer II was berthed.

Emergency services, including the fire brigade, were deployed to investigate the substance involved and assess any potential risk to nearby residents.

Authorities established a safety perimeter around the affected area and began evaluating options for sealing the damaged container.

Assessments were also underway to determine whether the substance had affected the vessel’s structure or its cargo before any removal operation could proceed.

The carrier said operations were expected to resume at around 14:00 local time, subject to approval from the competent authorities.

In the surrounding area, bridges over the Kieldrecht Lock were closed, and shipping traffic was suspended as a precaution. Authorities also advised people to avoid the area around Quay 1742.