A nationwide strike in Belgium has severely disrupted operations at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, causing vessel movements to slow to a near halt. Pilots and traffic-control personnel participated in the strike, forcing the closure of the Wandelaar route — one of the port’s key seagoing access points, reports Marine Insight.
As a result, both inbound and outbound traffic faced immediate suspension, triggering widespread congestion.
Rapid build-up of vessel backlogs
Congestion began rising quickly as ships were unable to enter or leave the port. By the end of the first day, more than a dozen outbound and over twenty inbound vessels had already been delayed. The situation intensified the following morning, with around thirty outbound and over thirty inbound ships waiting for clearance.
Although tug services continued at limited capacity, several major locks, including Kallo, Zandvliet, and Van Cauwelaert, were temporarily out of service. With these crucial links unavailable, the port’s ability to ease the backlog was significantly reduced.
Zeebrugge section fully closed
In the coastal section of the port at Zeebrugge, the impact was even more severe. The local Traffic Control Centre suspended operations entirely, shutting down all inbound and outbound movements. The closure is expected to remain in effect until strike actions conclude, leaving dozens of vessels waiting offshore.
The strike’s impact extended inland as barge traffic and canal-based cargo flows across Belgium were also disrupted. These waterways play a vital role in transporting raw materials and finished goods between industrial regions and maritime gateways. With inland mobility restricted, pressure increased on warehouses, shippers, and logistics operators dependent on steady cargo circulation.
Delays expected even after strike ends
Port authorities anticipate that the backlog of vessels will take several days to clear once operations resume. Shipping schedules are already being reshuffled, and some lines may consider rerouting cargo to nearby North European ports to reduce delays.
The incident highlights how quickly labour disruptions at major ports can ripple through regional and international supply chains, underscoring the vulnerability of high-volume gateways like Antwerp-Bruges to sudden operational shutdowns.
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Source: Marine Insight
