Antwerp Port Authority: No reason to panic
because of disaster in Japan

Antwerp, 31 March 2011

Containers passing through the port of Antwerp are checked for the presence of radioactivity on an ongoing basis. The system used for this, named Megaports, is the result of collaboration between the American authorities and the Belgian customs service. Since the 9/11 attacks all container terminals in the port are equipped with Megaports. Containers handled within the port are passed through detector gates that scan for radioactivity. If a signal is generated, the customs service and the Federal Agency for Nuclear Control are informed and these authorities are then responsible for further action.

Following the situation in Japan the relevant inspection services within the port are especially vigilant, but there is certainly no reason for panic. In any case Antwerp has few direct imports from Japan. Furthermore, Megaports ensures that if any radioactive material does arrive in the port, appropriate action is quickly taken to avert any threat to public health.

Companies that have questions concerning the situation in Japan can contact the e-mail address gew.dir.da.antwerpen@minfin.fed.be.

Antwerp Port Authority, press release