Belgian General Strike Disrupts Maritime Transport Amid Widespread Unrest

A three-day general strike in Belgium has created a massive shipping bottleneck, with 63 vessels stuck waiting outside the country's major ports. The disruption affects Antwerp, Europe's second-largest port, and threatens to ripple through global supply chains for days even after the strike ends.

Since Tuesday morning, ships haven't been able to enter or leave Belgian ports because pilot services - the specialized crews that guide vessels safely in and out of harbors - have stopped working. Port workers joined the nationwide strike to protest federal government reforms, including changes to the pension system.

The Maritime and Coastal Services Agency reports that dozens of cargo ships are now anchored offshore, unable to dock or depart. This creates a domino effect - delayed deliveries, rescheduled shipping routes, and potential shortages of goods across Europe.

Antwerp handles about 230 million tons of cargo annually, making it a critical hub for European trade. When a port this size shuts down, it doesn't just affect Belgium. Companies across the continent rely on Antwerp for everything from raw materials to finished products.

Port officials warn the backlog won't clear quickly once operations resume. Even after the strike ends Wednesday, it typically takes several days to process accumulated ships and cargo. Each delayed vessel creates scheduling conflicts that cascade through the global shipping network.

The strike extends beyond ports, paralyzing public services across Belgium. But the port disruption carries the heaviest economic weight, as shipping delays can cost companies millions in missed deadlines and contract penalties.

For logistics companies and traders, this highlights how vulnerable supply chains remain to labor disputes. A three-day strike can create weeks of complications, especially when it hits a major European gateway like Antwerp.