Last week, the MSC Alexandra lost its moorings during a sudden thunderstorm, colliding with a new pier at Mundra Port, India. Strong winds broke the ship’s mooring lines, causing it to drift. Fortunately, waterfront workers escaped just before the incident, while the ship sounded its horn to warn others.
Shipping operations at major Belgian ports are facing significant disruptions due to an ongoing strike by sea pilots and maritime traffic controllers. The protest, initiated by the socialist union ACOD, has led to delays for over 45 vessels, with only essential personnel on duty to manage safety. Negotiations over pension reforms continue.
Greek Seafarers’ unions are set to strike for 24 hours on March 5, demanding the safe return of mariners trapped in the Persian Gulf. They condemn shipowners for prioritizing profit over safety, exposing seafarers to perilous conditions amid escalating military tensions. The unions call for urgent action to protect lives and rights.
The maritime union RMT has shown strong support for Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) seafarers who voted overwhelmingly for strike action. Concerns were raised about management’s failure to comply with minimum wage laws. General Secretary Eddie Dempsey criticized the opaque pay calculation system, leaving seafarers in a precarious financial situation.
Russia’s Black Sea port of Taman sustained significant damage from a Ukrainian drone attack, injuring two and affecting oil storage and terminal facilities. Over 100 personnel were deployed to manage fires. This incident marks a renewed focus on Russian energy infrastructure as tensions escalate amid ongoing military actions.
President Vladimir Putin has warned that Russia may target vessels from countries supporting Ukraine if attacks on its tanker fleet continue. Describing Ukrainian military actions as “piracy,” he mentioned potential countermeasures, including intensified strikes on relevant port facilities. Putin cautioned against retaliatory actions, though recent incidents have heightened tensions significantly.
Lashers at the Port of Rotterdam have begun a 48-hour strike, halting container operations to demand higher wages. Starting at 3:15 p.m. on October 8, the strike disrupts cargo handling at Europe’s busiest port. The FNV union emphasizes the crucial role of lashers, warning that operations will grind to a halt without them.
The ports of Antwerp, Zeebrugge, and Ghent are experiencing significant delays due to a work slowdown by Belgian sea pilots protesting proposed pension reforms. With pilots only available from 10 AM to 5 PM, around 70 ships are currently waiting for services, severely impacting shipping operations across the region.
Wightlink, the ferry operator serving the Isle of Wight and Hampshire, has proposed staff reductions impacting up to 50 positions as part of its efficiency project. The RMT union warns that this could jeopardize 160 jobs, threatening industrial action unless plans are retracted. Concerns over safety and service quality have been raised.
Seafarers operating ferries from Patras and Igoumenitsa began a 24-hour strike at 6 a.m. Sunday, protesting government neglect over understaffing issues. The union warns of escalating actions if demands for better working conditions are unmet. Recent court rulings declaring the strike illegal highlight a pivotal moment in Greece’s labor history.
Seafarers on ferries from Patras and Igoumenitsa will strike for 48 hours on June 3-4, citing chronic understaffing that jeopardizes safety and worsens working conditions. The Panhellenic Maritime Federation (PNO) criticized the government and employers for failing to address crew shortages, emphasizing the urgent need for improved staffing and working conditions.
Thousands of Greeks gathered in Athens demanding higher wages amidst rising living costs. A one-day strike halted ferries, flights, and trains. Despite economic growth, many struggle to cover basic needs. Workers call for significant pay raises. The government plans to raise the minimum wage but remains cautious due to high debt.
RMT seafarers at Foreland Shipping have rejected the company’s pay offer, citing dissatisfaction with only 85% of union members. The General Secretary emphasized the need for fair compensation for the skilled workforce supporting the UK Ministry of Defence. Negotiations are ongoing, but the possibility of strike action remains if a resolution is not reached.
A potential strike at India’s state-operated ports, threatening cargo operations and regional shipping, has been avoided for the second time. Six unions representing 18,000 workers set a deadline for a wage package, leading to averted industrial action. The agreement, settled after government intervention, ensures stability in the Indian economy and port operations.
Dockworkers in India are frustrated with the slow pace of wage and service reforms, leading to nationwide protests. The National Coordination Committee of Major Port & Dock Workers Federations organized demonstrations in support of unions. Despite a deadline of December 15, no action has been taken, prompting preparations for a nationwide strike.
