Ongoing Industrial Action in Belgian Ports Antwerp and Zeebrugge

We would like to inform you of the industrial action by the Professional Association of Pilots (BVL/Loodsenfront), which started on Sunday, 5 October 2025. This action is in response to dissatisfaction with recent federal pension reforms.

As a result, Flemish pilotage services will operate strictly during established office hours, from 08:00 to 17:00. While shipping operations are being scheduled as efficiently as possible to maintain traffic flow, this action is expected to cause serious disruption to the resumption of shipping to and from Antwerp and Zeebrugge, with severe delays to vessel arrivals and departures in the coming days.

In addition, a national strike in Belgium has been announced for Tuesday, 14 October. As a result, staffing levels at the Zandvliet Traffic Control Centre will be reduced from 13 October at 19:30 until 15 October at 07:30. During this period, maritime traffic — including inland navigation — to and from the Port of Antwerp will be suspended.

Our teams are actively monitoring the situation and are working closely with operational partners to mitigate disruptions where possible. However, please be advised that events of this nature are beyond our reasonable control and may impact your supply chain.

We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your continued understanding. Should contingency plans be triggered, these will be communicated separately through the usual channels. If you wish to receive notification in case of any changes to your cargo ETA, please sign up here.

For further assistance, please contact your local customer service representative.