Antwerp hydrogen fluoride leak highlights hazardous cargo gas detection challenges

A hydrogen fluoride release aboard a container ship at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges has renewed attention on hazardous gas detection during chemical transport after Belgian prosecutors opened a criminal investigation into the incident.

The leak occurred on Tuesday, 14 July, when a container carrying hydrofluoric acid ruptured aboard the MSC Mia Summer II while berthed at Deurganck Dock.

More than 150 people were reportedly exposed, 28 required hospital treatment and one person was admitted to intensive care.

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Two container terminals were temporarily closed, disrupting operations at Europe's second-busiest container port.

The cause of the release has not yet been determined.

While hydrofluoric acid incidents are often associated with refinery and petrochemical operations, the Antwerp event highlights the risks presented during storage, handling and maritime transport.

Effective fixed and portable gas detection systems, emergency monitoring equipment and rapid incident assessment are essential where hazardous chemical cargoes are handled outside traditional industrial process environments.

The investigation is expected to examine how the release occurred and whether existing handling procedures and safety controls were sufficient.