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A Glovis car carrier was detained at the port of Zeebrugge on 18 July 2024 because it was infested with wolf spiders.
The Glovis Sun, which has capacity for 6000+ car equivalent units (CEU), was delivering vehicles from South Africa. On arrival it was found to have a large population of spiders across its multiple decks and cars were covered in spider webs. Though not harmful to humans the vessel was sealed to prevent an exotic species getting into Europe and the spiders were exterminated.
“The extermination and clearing were completed yesterday evening [on 18 July 2024],” said a spokesperson for the port authority of Antwerp-Bruges last week. “Inspection has been completed this morning (19 July 2024). The ship will be normally unloaded tomorrow to depart afterwards.”
The vessel sailed on Saturday (20 July 2024) and is now en route to the German port of Emden.
Infestations on this scale are rare. In 2010 the MV Altavia, carrying housing units and accessories to the US territory of Guam, was turned away after thousands of spiders were found in its cargo.
Shipping companies and finished vehicle logistics operators need to maintain vigilance in pest control as insects (or in this case arachnids) shipped internationally can cause damage to cargo and present an ecological threat to destination countries. Vessels can be subject to severe penalties and delays from the authorities for breaches of biosecurity protocols. Implementing biosecurity protocols for ships to prevent insect infestation is essential to ensure the safe and efficient movement of goods across borders.
Earlier this year the Glovis Caravel bound for the Australian port of Brisbane with Tesla Model Y EVs was ordered back to China because of a stinkbug infestation. According to the Canberra Times the vessel, which has a capacity of 6,500 CEUs, had been circling the coast of Brisbane for weeks as the crew carried out fumigation.