Belgian Pilot Strike Update | Antwerp Port Operations Resume

3 July 2026•Article

Belgian Pilot Strike Update: Agreement Reached as Port Operations Resume

The recent pilot dispute significantly impacted vessel movements through Antwerp-Bruges, Ghent and Zeebrugge, with more than 150 ships affected at the height of the disruption. Although an agreement has now been reached, supply chains may continue to experience temporary delays while ports clear congestion and carriers restore normal schedules. Woodland Group is monitoring the situation closely and continues to support customers with updates on affected shipments.

Following several weeks of disruption across Belgium's major ports, an agreement has been reached between the Flemish Government and pilot representatives. While pilotage services are expected to return to normal, shipping lines and terminals continue to work through vessel backlogs, meaning some delays may persist in the short term.

Belgian Pilot Strike Update: Agreement Reached, But Vessel Backlogs May Continue

The Flemish Government has reached an agreement in principle with pilot representatives following several weeks of industrial action that significantly disrupted vessel movements through the Ports of Antwerp-Bruges, Ghent and Zeebrugge.

The agreement, announced by Flemish Minister of Mobility and Ports Annick De Ridder, is expected to bring an end to the recent work-to-rule action that has affected shipping operations throughout June and early July. While the agreement must still be finalised through the relevant consultation processes, pilotage services are expected to begin returning to normal.

Significant Disruption Across Belgian Ports

During the dispute, pilot availability was reduced as pilots worked only during office hours and suspended overnight operations. At its peak, more than 150 vessels were reported waiting to enter Belgian ports, with some experiencing delays of more than four days.

As pilotage is mandatory for vessels navigating the Scheldt estuary and accessing ports including Antwerp and Ghent, the industrial action created widespread disruption across shipping schedules, terminal operations and onward inland transport.

What Happens Next?

While the agreement is a positive development, it is unlikely that operations will return to normal immediately.

Ports and terminals will now begin working through the existing backlog of vessels, meaning some delays and schedule disruption may continue in the short term as shipping lines seek to restore normal service patterns.

In addition, many carriers may continue to adjust vessel schedules over the coming days while networks recover.

What This Means for Importers and Exporters

Businesses with cargo moving through Belgian ports should continue to monitor shipment progress closely over the coming days, particularly where time-sensitive cargo or connecting transport is involved.

Woodland Group continues to monitor the situation and remains in close contact with our carrier partners to minimise disruption wherever possible.

Customers with shipments moving via Antwerp, Ghent or Zeebrugge who require an update on specific consignments are encouraged to contact their usual Woodland representative.