Strike Disrupts Shipping at Belgian Ports
Almost 150 ships were waiting to enter or leave the ports of Antwerp, Zeebrugge and Ghent on Friday evening due to a maritime pilots’ strike, according to the Agency for Maritime and Coastal Services. The pilots’ association, BvL, plans to continue its industrial action until after the weekend, reports 24brussels.
Currently, 42 ships are waiting to depart from the port of Antwerp, while four are poised to leave Zeebrugge and seven from Ghent. Additionally, 92 ships are anchored in the North Sea, with 72 on course for Antwerp, five bound for Zeebrugge, and 15 heading to Ghent. Another 58 vessels are navigating to and from the ports accompanied by a Flemish or Dutch pilot.
The pilots are striking in response to proposed federal pension reforms. Although a provisional agreement was reached in the summer with the government, it merely affirmed existing arrangements, with a comprehensive agreement still pending. The pilots believe they are disproportionately affected compared to other professions.
As part of the strike, the pilots are limiting their working hours, resulting in disrupted vessel scheduling and prolonged wait times. This industrial action has also impacted inland shipping traffic, forcing several shipping companies to adjust their routes or delay cargo deliveries.
