Coordinated Port Action Could Disrupt European Cargo Flows

UK businesses shipping through Europe, the Mediterranean and North America could experience disruption on Friday, 30 October, as dockworkers take part in coordinated industrial action.

Reports suggest more than 100 ports across 17 countries will be involved, although participation will range from demonstrations to operational stoppages.

The impact on freight movements is therefore likely to vary considerably. A port being named in connection with the action does not necessarily mean cargo handling will stop.

Italy faces a nationwide 24-hour port workers’ strike, with Genoa, Gioia Tauro, Livorno, Trieste, Civitavecchia, Ancona and Ravenna among the ports involved. This could affect both direct shipments and containers transferring between services at Italian terminals.

Marseille, Piraeus, Tangier and Mersin have also been identified in reports. Dockworkers in Hamburg, Mexico and the United States have expressed support, but this should not be interpreted as confirmation of shutdowns at those locations.

Opposition to the movement of military cargo through commercial ports is central to the mobilisation. Unions are also highlighting pay, working conditions and the effects of automation.

For importers and exporters, interrupted terminal operations could delay vessel handling, container availability and onward deliveries. Cargo passing through affected transhipment hubs may encounter disruption even when ports at either end of its journey continue operating normally.

Please do not hesitate to contact Croft Cargo to discuss the potential impact and available options for your cargo.

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