Update: 16.10.2025
According to a new update published by the Port of Antwerp, the Belgian sea pilots initiated a “maximum rest” action on 15 October, reducing logistics chain operations to approximately 70% of normal capacity.
The port highlights that the ongoing go-slow action is "disrupting the restart of a smooth nautical chain."
"The actions are expected to continue until Sunday [19 October]. Clearing the backlog caused by the various actions will take several more days."
In Zeebrugge, the labour action is also continuing, albeit with minimal impact.
Update: 15.10.2025
Maritime operations at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges resumed this morning following the strike action by pilots earlier this month.
The port has indicated that, despite the resumption of activity, several days will be required to address the backlog of vessels awaiting entry and departure.
"The pilots’ organisation BVL has temporarily suspended its actions until October 24 at 07:30 a.m. and has resumed normal operations in the meantime," says the port.
Additionally, the port notes that more than 60 ships are waiting to depart, while approximately 100 vessels are queued to enter the port.
Update: 13.10.2025
A 48-hour national strike is scheduled to take place across Belgium on 14 October 2025, with significant disruption anticipated for public transport and airport operations.
The industrial action has been organised by the trade unions ACV-CSC, FGTB-ABVV, and CGSLB-ACLVB. The unions are protesting against reforms proposed by the Federal Government.
The pilots’ strike at the port, which began on 5 October, remains ongoing. This action is led by the Pilots’ Professional Association (BvL) and is rooted in a disagreement over pension reforms.
Although a provisional agreement on pensions was reached between pilots and the federal government several months ago, local news reports that both parties interpreted the terms differently.
As of this morning, 13 October 2025, the Port of Antwerp reported 93 vessels without a confirmed schedule and 19 vessels experiencing delays. In Zeebrugge, 12 vessels were also reported to be delayed.
Original article: 09.10.2025
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.
