by Manal Barakat, SeaNewsEditor

Traffic controllers at the Port of Antwerp began an indefinite labour action on 5 October, which restricts assignments to office hours between 08:00 and 17:00 local time.

The port reports that ships are piloted from 10:00 at the earliest until 17:00 at the latest. This measure, combined with maximum rest periods, has led to significant disruption of shipping movements in Antwerp and Zeebrugge.

Some vessels cannot enter or leave the port due to the strike, impacting the handling of import containers. Export containers continue to be delivered as usual.

The situation may exacerbate the already high levels of yard utilisation at the ports, which could lead to extended delays.

The port's latest update, on 9 October, shows Antwerp with 65 vessels lacking schedules and 27 vessels delayed. Zeebrugge currently has seven vessels experiencing delays.

For the latest port and vessel statuses or situation updates, please refer to the seaexplorer alert map.