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Shipping update
European port and air freight strikes cause widespread delays
Industrial action disrupts shipping and air cargo across Europe
Strikes across major European freight hubs are disrupting Rotterdam, Antwerp, Zeebrugge, and Belgium's air freight sector. Unfortunately, congestion and operational delays are expected to persist until wage and pension negotiations reach a resolution.
Lashing workers in Rotterdam halted operations over pay disputes, prompting a court to limit strike action to weekends while negotiations continue. As a result, around 25 container ships are currently waiting for berthing and unloading. Meanwhile, maritime pilots are protesting planned pension reforms in Belgium (including a 45% reduction for younger pilots) as ports in Antwerp, Zeebrugge, and Ghent continue to face disruption.
In addition, Belgium's air freight sector faced a 24-hour national strike on 14–15 October, with ground-handling, security and customs staff walking out at Brussels and Liège airports. As a result, cancellations and rerouting of cargo flights have caused knock-on effects across Europe.
More information about the expected delays
We understand that the ongoing issues across European ports may be frustrating, and we thank you for your patience. As we monitor this dynamic situation, our team is working hard to ensure operations run smoothly. If there is an expected delay to your shipment, we'll notify you by email as soon as possible.
In the meantime, we recommend logging in to your Seven Seas Worldwide online account for updates.
Here are some additional resources if you would like more information about the strikes:
If there is an expected delay to your shipment, we'll notify you by email as soon as possible.
