Shipping operations at major Belgian ports have been significantly impacted due to an extended strike by sea pilots and maritime traffic controllers. The Agency for Maritime Services and Coast (MDK) reported that the protest has resulted in a slowdown of vessel movements, with only essential safety personnel on duty. Currently, 26 ships are anchored in the North Sea, while 18 vessels are experiencing delays at the ports of Antwerp and Ghent. In Zeebrugge, four ships are waiting to depart, and eight are queued to enter the port.
The strike commenced on Monday when members of the socialist union ACOD initiated a protest at the radar tower in Zeebrugge, which oversees maritime traffic. Sea pilots joined the action at midnight, exacerbating the situation. Approximately 45 ships traveling to or from Antwerp and 26 vessels in Zeebrugge are now facing delays.
The core issue driving the strike revolves around proposed pension reforms. Maritime workers and their unions argue that the federal changes could lead to a 25 percent reduction in pensions compared to current arrangements. Negotiations regarding this matter have been ongoing for over a year. Despite the strike, authorities assure that safety remains a priority, with a minimum number of staff available to handle emergencies. The strike is anticipated to last until 7:30 PM on Tuesday, with potential for further disruptions in shipping traffic.
