Vessel congestion builds during strike in Antwerp

More than 55 vessels have been left waiting amid a national strike in Belgium against the Federal Government.

IMAGE: Tug boat in front of a container ship being unloaded with cranes at Antwerp, Belgium. Getty Images

Strikers are protesting against a pension reform, and with port workers involved it has hit port operations in Ghent and Antwerp, with congestion in these ports mounting through the day.

This afternoon, there were 24 vessels waiting to depart from Antwerp and Ghent. Among arriving ships, 35 vessels were waiting in the North Sea, according to a source.

Pilot boat services have also been suspended, barring Dutch pilot boats.

Seven vessels guided by Flemish or Dutch pilots onboard were the only vessels underway.

By Samantha Shaji

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