In Antwerp, Belgium, port operations are facing delays due to work stoppages by lashers, who secure cargo on ships.
This week, two of Europe’s key ports—Rotterdam, the continent’s largest, and Antwerp-Bruges—are experiencing disruptions from dockworker strikes, according to Reuters and local media reports
In Rotterdam, a strike by lashers from International Lashing Services and Matrans Marine Service began Wednesday at 3:15 p.m. CEST and is set to continue until Friday afternoon, October 10. The action, driven by disputes over a new collective agreement, has halted critical operations. “Without lashers, the whole port grinds to a halt,” said Niek Stam, FNV union chairman, in a statement on October 7.
The Port of Rotterdam acknowledged on Wednesday that the strike will likely impact traffic, though the full extent remains unclear. Hutchison Ports, a terminal operator in Rotterdam, noted potential delays or stoppages in deep-sea and feeder operations, while areas not requiring lashers will function normally.
In Antwerp-Bruges, port pilots have disrupted operations for four days, protesting federal pension reforms, according to port authorities cited by Reuters. The port, which typically handles 60-80 ships daily, managed only 31 on Tuesday, with some ships waiting and others rerouting.
Source: SHIPPINGWATCH