A wave of industrial action across Northern Europe is causing major disruption to freight corridors and intensifying congestion at some of the region’s busiest ports.

Strikes and work stoppages in Rotterdam, Antwerp, and Zeebrugge have impacted port operations and supply chains, adding further pressure to the congestion issues that have haunted European ports this year.

In Rotterdam, dockworkers began striking on October 8th amid an ongoing dispute over pay and working conditions. Although operations resumed on October 13th following a court order mandating a temporary return to work, the strike could restart at 7:00 am on October 17th if no agreement is reached. Industry sources report that port operations have been “significantly disrupted,” with vessel schedules and cargo handling facing severe delays.

Meanwhile, Belgian ports have also been hit by industrial action. Operations at Antwerp and Zeebrugge were suspended from the evening of October 13th due to a national pension reform strike and are expected to resume on October 15th. The action followed several days of work-to-rule measures by marine pilots, who are currently limiting their working hours to 0800–1700, delaying vessels requiring mandatory pilotage to enter port.

With Antwerp and Rotterdam already among Europe’s most congested ports this year, these latest strikes are expected to exacerbate delays and backlog across regional and global shipping networks.

The team at Westbound are continuing to monitor the situation. For further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

If you have any questions regarding the above, then Westbound are here to help. So, please do not hesitate to contact us.