Pilotage services in Belgium have been disrupted due to ongoing negotiations concerning pension reform. Shipping traffic continues to be affected as pilots are taking their maximum statutory rest periods. In addition, one Pilotage Service Coordinator (Lodico) is still being sought, as the coordinator scheduled for the night shift has reported sick.
There are currently 50 vessels awaiting pilotage services:
Antwerp – Outbound
- 6 vessels scheduled, delayed
- 2 vessels awaiting scheduling
Antwerp – Inbound
- 7 vessels scheduled, delayed
- 22 vessels awaiting scheduling
Zeebrugge – Outbound
- 2 vessels delayed
Zeebrugge – Inbound
- 2 vessels delayed
Ghent – Outbound
- No vessels
Ghent – Inbound
- 9 vessels awaiting scheduling
There are currently 37 vessels underway to and from the ports with a Flemish or Dutch pilot on board:
- Antwerp: 14 outbound vessels and 14 inbound vessels
- Zeebrugge: 3 outbound vessels
- Ghent: 1 outbound vessel and 5 inbound vessel
Together with Alfaport Voka and Port of Antwerp-Bruges, BSV is examining possible measures to bring this situation to an end. This is not a strike; the pilots are strictly applying the provisions of their employment regulations and are making use of the maximum rest periods permitted following a duty assignment.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out at [email protected].