Strikes across Northern Europe are causing severe freight disruptions and worsening congestion at three of the region’s busiest ports — Rotterdam, Antwerp, and Zeebrugge.
In Belgium, nationwide protests over proposed pension reforms have brought both Antwerp and Zeebrugge to a halt. Port operations were suspended on the evening of October 13th and are expected to resume today.
The shutdown follows several days of “work-to-rule” measures by marine pilots, who have limited their operating hours to 08:00–17:00. The reduced coverage has forced ships needing mandatory pilotage to wait for entry, further contributing to the growing backlog.
Across the border in the Netherlands, dockworkers in Rotterdam began striking on October 8th amid disputes over pay and working conditions. Although a court order temporarily compelled a return to work on October 13th, the strike could legally resume at 7:00 am on October 17th if negotiations remain unresolved.
During the past week, vessel movements and cargo handling in all ports have been described as “severely disrupted.”
Both Rotterdam and Antwerp rank among Europe’s most congested ports in 2025. The renewed wave of strikes is expected to intensify bottlenecks, extend turnaround times, and create ripple effects throughout global shipping schedules.
Global Freight Services continues to monitor the situation. For tailored support or assistance with contingency planning and supply chain strategy, please contact our logistics team.