The pilots’ service has been suspended as part of Belgium’s national day of industrial action. The disruption could cost the port millions, a spokesperson for Port of Antwerp-Bruges said. By Wednesday morning, 12 departing and 16 arriving vessels were waiting; that number had risen to nearly 50 by midday, causing significant delays in cargo operations.

The strike action by pilots is expected to end by Thursday morning, but the port authority warns that it could take another two days to clear the backlog. “Even if operations resume tomorrow, it will still take at least a day or two to recover,” the spokesperson noted.

This marks the fourth strike-related disruption at the Port of Antwerp in recent weeks. While the total financial impact is still unclear, the port estimates potential losses in the millions if the situation mirrors previous strike days.

The national strike is being coordinated by Belgium’s major trade unions in protest against government policies. Although the date of the strike had been announced well in advance, the port was uncertain about the scale of the disruption. “Many different partners are operating in the port. On a national strike day, it’s always a bit unpredictable who will take part,” the spokesperson said.