As of 5 October, a pilot strike is taking place with disruption in Europe’s second largest port, the port of Antwerp-Bruges.

Due to dissatisfaction with the federal pension reforms, the Professional Association of Pilots (BVL/Loodsenfront) is taking action as of Sunday, 5 October.

Reports from the port authority are saying that there are 54 vessels in Antwerp for which no pilotage schedule has yet been set, and 32 vessels that are experiencing delays.

“There is still congestion,” said the Port of Antwerp-Bruges on Tuesday, October 7, confirming that in Zeebrugge, the queue currently consists of 7 outbound and 4 inbound vessels.

“This action will cause serious disruption to the resumption of shipping to and from Antwerp and Zeebrugge, with severe disruptions to arrivals and departures in the coming days,” the port warned.

Monday morning, the reports said there were 29 outgoing and 22 incoming vessels in Antwerp awaiting pilotage services.

Monday evening, the report from the port said there were 27 outgoing and 36 incoming vessels in Antwerp awaiting pilotage services. “In Zeebrugge, the queue consists of 4 outgoing and 4 incoming vessels,” the port added.

In an update on Sunday, October 5 the port mentioned: “Since midnight, the pilots are conducting a work-to-rule action for an indefinite period. They are combining office hours with maximum rest. This means that Flemish pilots are assigned between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. and ships are manned from 10 a.m. at the earliest to 5 p.m. at the latest.”

For further updates from the port of Antwerp-Bruges pls see here.