Degassing facilities in the port of Antwerp

In the port of Antwerp there is a total prohibition on degassing of substances that can present a danger or nuisance, since free venting always releases volatile organic compounds (VOC) that can not only cause a smell nuisance but can also be dangerous to port employees and local residents. Degassing is only permitted in special facilities intended for this purpose. Various companies in the port of Antwerp offer degassing services to deal with residual fumes from tanker ships and barges. In this way ships and barges can make their tanks gas-free between different cargos in a safe and environment-friendly way.

International regulations

Under the terms of the Municipal Port Police Regulations it is forbidden to let gasses and/or fumes escape anywhere in the port of Antwerp when this can pose a danger or nuisance for people or the environment.

Venting of benzene is forbidden everywhere in Europe (EU directive 94/63/ EC).

The CDNI (Convention on the collection, deposit and reception of waste produced during navigation on the Rhine and inland waterways) places restrictions on free venting of tanker barges that amount to a general prohibition of degassing in the Rhine corridor.

List of active suppliers

All of the following are available in the port of Antwerp and can be operational within 10 hours:

* The Port Authority issued a Request for Proposals as a result of which it selected three companies, offering them financial support to expand the range of degassification facilities in the port.