Shipping resumes in Zeebrugge after court order ends traffic centre strike
Shipping traffic at the port of Zeebrugge has begun moving again after a court order forced an end to a strike at the local maritime traffic centre.
Late on Tuesday night, a court in West Flanders ruled that any obstruction to maritime access to the port must stop. The decision followed an urgent request from employers’ organisation Voka.
Shortly after midnight on Wednesday, the agency Maritime Services and Coast Agency (MDK) said enough staff had been deployed to restart operations and clear the blockage. Ships are now again being guided in and out of the port.
The strike at the Zeebrugge traffic centre began on Monday evening as part of wider protests against the Belgian federal government’s pension reforms. During the action, staff continued to perform safety duties but normal ship guidance was suspended.
The disruption caused long delays. At one point dozens of vessels were waiting at sea to enter Flemish ports. Many others were unable to depart from Antwerp, Ghent, and Zeebrugge.
Employers said the strike had severe economic consequences. Johan Klaps, port alderman in Antwerp and chairman of Port of Antwerp-Bruges, warned the delays could cost companies millions and affect the livelihoods of more than 100,000 workers linked to port activities.
The court ruling applies only to the Zeebrugge traffic centre. Disruptions may continue elsewhere. Maritime pilots linked to the socialist union ACOD are still on strike, meaning delays remain possible in other parts of the shipping network.
Meanwhile, Belgian unions are planning a large demonstration in Brussels on Thursday to protest against the planned pension reform.
#FlandersNewsService | The port of Antwerp-Bruges © BELGA PHOTO JONAS ROOSENS