Update: 11.12.2023

Port operator PSA International informed customers today that operations at MSC PSA European Terminal (MPET) have been suspended in the morning hours "due to unforeseen circumstances."

At the time, PSA said, "The terminal will temporarily be closed for all activities."

According to communication from MSC, a strike at the terminal by the straddle carrier drivers brought container handling to a halt. The situation, however, changed with the start of the new shift.

Nevertheless, delays are still expected in both container and vessel handling operations. Additional disruption at the port could also occur in light of the industrial action taking place in the country.

In the meantime, Kuehne+Nagel sources reveal that the strikes carried out last week on the inland waterway docks were ended over the weekend in compliance with a judicial order to end the strikes.

Original article: 07.12.2023

Multiple unions representing maritime workers in Belgium started industrial action on Monday, 4 December. Local media outlets highlighted that the strikes have severely impacted operations at the ports of Antwerp and Bruges-Zeebrugge.

Kuehne+Nagel sources confirm that most of the locks on the inland waterways are closed due to the strikes, while transport on the River Scheldt remains open.

The media spoke of an agreement reached yesterday with one of the unions, which meant operations at inland waterways would resume again. However, not all marine pilots reported to work today.

In the meantime, negotiations with the other unions involved in the strike are set to resume this week.

The main reason behind the strikes was the workers' rejection of the Civil Service Statute reform proposed by the government. It remains unclear when the strikes could end at the moment.

According to seaexplorer data, nearly 30 ships are waiting outside the Belgian ports today. The current 7-day average waiting time of vessels at the Port of Antwerp is 2.17 days.

Danish carrier Maersk said that several of its vessels are impacted by the disruptions, including Maersk Iowa, Maersk Newcastle and Maersk Kansas. The liner expects "a minimum of 48 hours waiting time and further changes in vessel schedules" as the strikes continue.