Port of Antwerp-Bruges kept inbound and outbound vessel traffic unrestricted on 12 May even as Belgium’s national strike disrupted pilot services and cut Antwerp tug capacity to about 80%, according to Port of Antwerp-Bruges.
The port authority said it was monitoring possible disruption to terminal and logistics operations as strike action spread across transport and public services.
Shipping operations in Antwerp and Zeebrugge remained largely functional after overnight disruption at the Wandelaar pilot station.
The station resumed work at 07:30 using a launch vessel after SWATH tender services were suspended overnight. Full SWATH operations restarted at 07:45.
The Noord pilot station remained operational. Vessel traffic services and passage planning continued without interruption.
All bridges and locks were operational except Berendrecht lock, which was unavailable because of scheduled maintenance.
The strike was part of nationwide union action in Belgium over federal socio-economic reforms, including pension measures, working conditions and purchasing power. It also affected flights, public transport and public services.
Port of Antwerp-Bruges is the port authority formed in 2022 through the merger of the ports of Antwerp and Zeebrugge. It manages port infrastructure and maritime access across the Antwerp and Zeebrugge port areas.
