Europe’s major logistics hubs, the Port of Rotterdam and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, are currently facing severe operational challenges due to a combination of industrial actions and recent storms. The strikes, led by port workers and pilots demanding better working conditions and benefits, have brought container handling and vessel movements to a near standstill, causing widespread delivery delays and threatening global supply chains.
Industrial Action at the Port of Rotterdam
The Port of Rotterdam, Europe’s largest port, has been hit by a 48-hour strike initiated by lashers workers responsible for unloading and securing containers on ships and quays. Members of the FNV union are demanding a 7% wage increase, arguing that their role is crucial to the port’s daily operations. As FNV board member Niek Stam stated, “Without lashers, the entire port is at a standstill.”
The strike has already disrupted operations at container terminals, prompting major shipping companies such as AP Moller-Maersk A/S to warn customers about potential delays. According to Maersk, vessels will face “delays or interruptions in load and discharge operations” from October 8–10. Experts, including Bart Kuipers from Erasmus University, note that these strikes will further strain Rotterdam’s productivity, which was already affected by “exceptional congestion” earlier this year.
Delays at Antwerp-Bruges Due to Pilots’ Protest
Simultaneously, the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, Europe’s second-largest port, is dealing with major delays caused by industrial action from the Professional Association of Pilots. These pilots, responsible for guiding ships safely into the port, are protesting against federal pension reforms. Since October 5, they have adopted a “work-to-rule” strategy, working strictly within office hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This limited schedule has led to substantial backlogs, with 65 vessels awaiting scheduling and 27 already delayed as of Thursday. The smaller Port of Zeebrugge has also been affected, with seven vessels delayed. According to Maersk, these disruptions could lead to severe delays in vessel arrivals and departures in the coming days, complicating trade movements across the region.
The combined effect of labor strikes and storm recovery at Rotterdam and Antwerp has significantly slowed Europe’s maritime logistics network. With global supply chains already under stress, these industrial actions highlight the vulnerability of international trade to local labor disputes. Unless swift agreements are reached, prolonged disruptions could have ripple effects far beyond Europe, impacting cargo flows and delivery timelines worldwide.
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Source: THE EDGE MALAYSIA
