Port of Antwerp-Bruges Resumes Operations, Begins Clearing Vessel Backlogs

Maritime traffic at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges has resumed following a two-day strike action by Flemish harbor pilots. However, port authorities have cautioned that it would take time to clear the resulting backlog.

As of October 16, 2025, the port continues to face capacity challenges from ongoing “go-slow action” at both Antwerp and Zeebrugge. “The actions are expected to continue until Sunday. Clearing the backlog caused by the various actions will take several more days,” the port authority said.

On October 15, the port reported that the logistics chain was operating at about 70% capacity, with 60 ships awaiting departure and 128 ships awaiting entry to the port.

According to port authorities, the Belgian harbor pilots’ organization, Beroepsvereniging van Loodsen (BvL), has temporarily suspended its actions until October 24 and would resume “normal operations” until then.

As reported by The Maritime Executive, pilots have been strictly following work-hour regulations with mandatory 12-hour rest periods since October 5. The work slowdown has significantly reduced availability and contributed to a growing queue of vessels, both docked and anchored offshore.

Meanwhile, the Port of Rotterdam is facing similar operational pressures from a 48-hour strike by lashers. The labor disruptions are causing mounting congestion at Northern Europe’s key container ports.

Source: Port of Antwerp-Bruges, The Maritime Executive

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