Strikes at Rotterdam and Antwerp Disrupt European Container Operations

Container operations at Rotterdam, Europe’s largest port, have come to a standstill as lashers initiated a 48-hour strike to demand higher wages. Workers at International Lashing Services and Matrans Marine Services ceased work from Wednesday afternoon until Friday, preventing vessels from being loaded or unloaded during this period. Major terminals are expected to experience extended laytimes, though the full scale of disruption is still being assessed.

Meanwhile, harbour pilots in Antwerp-Bruges, Belgium, continue their protests against federal pension reforms, further delaying marine traffic. Only 31 ships were handled on Tuesday compared with the usual 60–80, and over 100 vessels are waiting to enter or leave the ports as of Wednesday morning.

The combined strikes in Rotterdam and Antwerp, two of Europe’s key maritime gateways could have significant ripple effects on container and energy supply chains across North Europe if they continue. Negotiations in Belgium remain stalled, prolonging uncertainty for shippers and port operators.