Maritime pilot strike continues amid row over private service

Industrial action by maritime pilots continued on Friday, disrupting Belgian waterways for a fourth consecutive day. Just over 30 ships are currently waiting to enter or leave Flemish ports, according to the Maritime Services and Coast Agency.

The dispute centres on plans for a private pilotage service that is expected to become operational in Belgian waters in 2027. The new service would operate alongside the existing ​ pilotage service, part of the Flemish government. Pilots joining the private venture would give up their civil servant status and become self-employed shareholders in the company.

The fact that some pilots are already working on employment arrangements within the proposed private framework has sparked opposition among colleagues, who launched strike action on Tuesday. On Wednesday evening, the Professional Association of Pilots (BVL) formally distanced itself from the initiative.

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A week ago, Flemish Ports minister Annick De Ridder said she intended to take seriously the proposals to organise pilotage services in an "alternative way". Her office reiterated to Belga that the initiative for a private pilotage service did not originate with the cabinet. That claim is disputed by both the project's initiators and the trade unions.

Employers support proposal

The Port of Antwerp-Bruges has welcomed the initiative. According to the port, a parallel system of public and private pilots would improve the reliability, efficiency and customer focus of maritime services.

The port also argues that industrial action in the sector has repeatedly disrupted ​ operations over recent decades, causing significant economic damage, reputational harm and uncertainty for international customers and logistics partners.

The current dispute is the third wave of strike action in just over six months. A breakthrough before the summer recess appears unlikely. "The ball is now in the court of Flemish Ports minister Annick De Ridder," the BVL said earlier this week.

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