The MDK has revealed that 37 ships are currently waiting for servicing, and that efforts to clear the backlog will begin as soon as possible. While most of the vessels are anchored in the North Sea

 The Maritime and Coastal Services Agency (MDK) has announced that the maritime pilot strike, which was affiliated with the socialist union ACOD, has come to an end. However, it has also been stated that tensions remain high and that further disruptions are a possibility. 

 North Sea Port faced operational disruption

 Notably, North Sea Port faced operational disruption, which had a significant impact on its operations. By 12:00 on 23 June, the port authority had recorded 21 affected vessels, comprising seven outbound and 14 inbound ships. These were divided between delayed sailings and vessels without a plan. 

 37 ships are currently waiting for servicing,

The MDK has revealed that 37 ships are currently waiting for servicing, and that efforts to clear the backlog will begin as soon as possible. While most of the vessels are anchored in the North Sea, ports in Ghent, Antwerp and Zeebrugge have been affected to a lesser extent.

The situation was "not a strike" 

Since Friday morning, only Dutch pilots have been operating, with Belgian pilots delivering only a modicum of services. The situation has its roots in an ongoing disagreement between Belgian pilots and policymakers regarding reforms to their pension scheme

The port agent said the situation was "not a strike" but rather the strict application of employment rules and maximum rest periods after duty assignments.  

Related: Port of Antwerp: Total halt amid traffic control and pilot strikes

 Previous strikes were held earlier this year and last year

This is not the first time that such action has been taken. Previous strikes were held earlier this year and last year, which had a significant impact on port operations. The protests had such an impact that they led to a change in the Port of Antwerp's annual financial results. The professional association of pilots, BvL, did not endorse yesterday's action, but ACOD did. In June, ACOD-affiliated sea pilots took maximum rest time during a 24-hour action over federal pension reforms.  

About:MDK

 The Agency for Maritime and Coastal Services (MDK) is a government organization under the Flemish Ministry of Mobility and Public Works in Belgium. It is responsible for ensuring safe, smooth maritime traffic and protecting the Belgian coast and inland areas against storm surges and flooding.

About: North Sea Port

North Sea Port is the cross-border port authority for the Ghent-Terneuzen-Vlissingen port area, located in both Belgium and the Netherlands. Whether by ship, train, truck or pipeline, your cargo will arrive quickly and smoothly wherever it needs to go. Smart logistics connections give you a head start, whatever your position in the supply chain.

#North Sea Port#(MDK) #t union ACOD  #Antwerp #Zeebrugge # Dutch pilots #Belgian pilots #Strike