Maritime operations in Belgium are facing significant disruptions today, 25 June 2025, due to a national strike affecting critical services at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, with pilotage delays and partial lock closures slowing vessel movements.
At 09:00 local time, the situation in Antwerp remains tense. Inbound and outbound traffic is hampered primarily by suspended pilotage services in Vlissingen, a key entry point for North Sea shipping. The pilot cutter Wandelaar is only partially operational, supported by a smaller launch vessel. High-speed transfer vessels known as tender swaths remain out of service, forcing reliance on river pilots and weather-dependent solutions. As a result, 12 outbound and 16 inbound vessels are currently without a schedule or outlook.
Towage capacity in Antwerp has dropped to approximately 65%, significantly reducing the port’s ability to handle larger or less maneuverable vessels. Although the Van Cauwelaert and Berendrecht locks remain fully functional, restrictions have been imposed at the Kieldrecht Lock, which is now limited to vessels under 180 meters in length. The Boudewijn, Kallo, and Zandvliet locks are entirely out of service.
The disruption stems from a broader national strike across Belgium, spearheaded by unions demanding reforms in labor conditions and cost-of-living adjustments. While specific union demands vary, transport and maritime infrastructure have once again become flashpoints due to their economic significance.
In contrast, the Zeebrugge terminal is experiencing only minor delays. As of this morning, all services there remain operational despite the same constraints affecting the pilot cutter Wandelaar. Unlike Antwerp, Zeebrugge has not reported any significant backlog or vessel delays, allowing it to continue serving scheduled ro-ro and container operations.
Yesterday evening’s report from Antwerp at 21:00 painted a slightly less severe picture, with towage capacity still around 80%. However, as strike actions intensified overnight, the operational landscape shifted rapidly. This decline in port efficiency underlines the volatility of industrial actions in a sector where timing and throughput are essential.
Port authorities and logistics operators are keeping a close watch on how the situation unfolds. “The combination of limited pilot transfer capability and reduced tugboat availability means we’re looking at potential cascading effects on berthing windows, cargo unloading, and hinterland connections,” noted one local logistics coordinator, speaking under condition of anonymity.
The Wandelaar‘s limited function is a particular point of concern. As the main pilot cutter serving the estuary entrance, its impaired performance essentially creates a bottleneck for all large vessels entering or exiting the Scheldt. With no tenders in service, reliance on the smaller launch vessel is weather-dependent and inefficient for the volume of deep-sea traffic typically handled by Antwerp.
Zeebrugge’s resilience so far can be attributed to lower pilotage demands and a more compact port layout, but if Antwerp continues to experience delays, operators may begin diverting shipments, placing new pressure on adjacent terminals.
Strike actions in Belgium’s ports have become a recurring theme in recent years, often exposing systemic vulnerabilities in pilotage and towage logistics. For shipping lines, the current disruption adds yet another layer of complexity to global supply chains already burdened by port congestion in Asia and low water levels on inland European waterways.
No timeline has been provided for a full return to normal operations. Port of Antwerp-Bruges is expected to issue further updates throughout the day.
