MSC to reconsider Antwerp operations as strikes continue

Pilot strikes continue to hamper operations at Europe's third largest port
MSC already diverting vessels to Rotterdam
Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has said it is reconsidering its operations at the Belgium Port of Antwerp as pilot strikes continue to paralyze Europe’s third largest port.

More than sixty ships, including over 20 MSC vessels, were still stuck in limbo on Wednesday both in port and at sea as pilots withheld their go-slow actions after a full strike ended on Tuesday.

The world’s second largest shipping line, accounting for over two thirds of Antwerp’s container business, has already begun to divert vessels to the neighboring Dutch Port of Rotterdam.

Belgian pilots went on strike to demand that their profession was made exempt from government plans of adding a further two years to the retirement age.

“The damage that the action of the pilots has caused us is making us rethink our position in Antwerp,” MSC said.

“MSC does not understand this action by the pilots ... and will reconsider its investment policy towards [the region of] Flanders.”

The action by the pilots is costing Antwerp Port more than €1 million an hour, according to the Port of Antwerp Authority.

The latest strike at Antwerp Port follows last month’s industrial action, which forced the port to cease operations completely. The strike on January 27th saw Belgian dockworkers participate in a 24-hour nationwide strike in protest of the government’s austerity program.