Dockworkers at more than 110 ports in 22 countries took part in coordinated strike action on Friday under the banner “Dockworkers do not work for war”. Some of the most significant disruptions were reported in France, Italy, Greece and Türkiye, where unions called 24-hour strikes. Demonstrations and work stoppages were also reported in Morocco, Cyprus and other locations. The action coincided with a planned general strike in Italy.
According to reporting from gCaptain, organizers estimated that the work action could delay around 52,000 containers representing $2.8 billion in cargo. They estimated the immediate economic impact at $57 million, although gCaptain’s reporting noted that the figures were not independently verified.
The coordinated action marks a significant expansion from the first demonstration on February 6, when workers at 20 ports in seven countries participated. According to gCaptain, the latest demonstrations have extended beyond Europe and the Mediterranean, to involve Australia, Brazil, India, Mexico, Uruguay and the U.S. West Coast.
Hellenic Shipping News reported figures by the organizers stating that the participating ports collectively account for more than 13% of global shipping and over 60% of container activity in the Mediterranean.
The protests come at a time of ongoing security concerns for commercial shipping in the Middle East. According to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), seafarers have suffered casualties and injuries with 80 verified attacks on international shipping in and around the Strait of Hormuz reported since February 28.
Separately, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) indicated that establishing an accurate number of attacks has become increasingly difficult because the majority of vessels attacked have refused to submit reports.
Source: splash247, gCaptain, Hellenic Shipping News, International Maritime Organization, UK Maritime Trade Operations