Port of Antwerp returns to normal after harbor pilots' strike

After more than two weeks of paralysis, Belgium's main maritime entry point is back in operation without significant congestion, although the threat of further union protests persists.

After more than two weeks of disruption caused by union action by harbor pilots, the Port of Antwerp has returned to normal operations. Port authorities reported that there are no longer any delays for departing vessels and that waiting times for incoming vessels have been reduced to a minimum, providing relief to the European logistics chain.

At the beginning of October, the unions and professional associations representing harbor pilots began a series of protests against the pension reform promoted by the Belgian government. After a ten-day strike, a temporary truce was established until October 24, while the parties sought to reach a final agreement before the end of November. However, the workers maintained a "maximum rest" schedule, which delayed the complete decongestion of the port for several days.

Although Antwerp is now fully operational and its neighboring port of Zeebrugge is functioning normally, the situation remains uncertain. No agreement has yet been reached between the unions and the Flemish government, so a new wave of protests in the coming days cannot be ruled out. It is estimated that the disruptions have caused millions of euros in losses for the European logistics chain.

Source: portalfruticola.com