Port Strikes Disrupt Operations At Hamburg, Rotterdam And Other Major European Shipping Hubs

A 48-hour strike by port workers is disrupting operations at major German seaports, while workers at Rotterdam and other Dutch ports are preparing to strike on Friday, Sept. 4.

The German strike started with the late shift on Sept. 2 and affects Hamburg, Brake, Bremerhaven, Wilhelmshaven, Bremen, and Emden.

Hapag-Lloyd said the strike is affecting vessel operations, terminal work and inland cargo transport at German ports.

Dutch port workers will strike on Sept. 4 at Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Zeeland. Hapag-Lloyd said the action could affect all Rotterdam terminals and cause delays to ships, cargo handling and inland transport.

The two strikes are not related. However, they are taking place at the same time at several major North European ports, which could delay the movement of cargo.

German port strike

The strike follows the breakdown of wage talks between the ver.di trade union and the Central Association of German Seaport Operators (ZDS).

More than 6,000 port workers took part in a union consultation on the latest offer from employers. Most workers rejected it.

The ZDS offered a 5.1% pay increase, backdated to Aug. 1, 2026, as part of an 18-month agreement. The increase would be at least €1.20 per hour.

Ver.di is asking for an 8.2% increase, or at least €2.50 per hour, under a 12-month agreement.

This is the second warning strike in the dispute. On Aug. 18, workers at Hamburg, Brake, Bremerhaven, Wilhelmshaven, Bremen, and Emden held a 24-hour strike.

The earlier strike slowed cargo handling and, in some places, brought operations to a temporary stop.

The current strike lasts 48 hours. In Hamburg, workers at HHLA’s Altenwerder, Burchardkai and Tollerort terminals are taking part. Workers at the Eurogate container terminal are also on strike.

Cargo handling is expected to be heavily restricted during the strike. Few larger vessels are expected to be handled at the Port of Hamburg.

The strike is also affecting inland transport. Trucks and other vehicles could face delays, while terminals may have to deal with congestion.

Dutch port workers prepare for strike

Dutch port workers are due to strike on Friday, Sept. 4. The action is being organised by FNV Havens and will affect Amsterdam Rotterdam, and Zeeland.

No ships are expected to be handled between 11:15 a.m. and 7 p.m. local time.

Loading, unloading, lashing, towing and cargo inspection could all be delayed.

Hapag-Lloyd said the Rotterdam action is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and could affect all Rotterdam terminals.

Terminal operators have also warned about possible closures and limits on truck handling.

Containers moving into and out of Rotterdam could face problems with truck appointments, delayed delivery or pickup and temporary storage. Congestion could also continue after the strike as terminals deal with the cargo that has built up.

Tugboat services are also taking part, which could affect vessel movements in the ports.

The Dutch strike is separate from the dispute in Germany. FNV is protesting proposed government cuts of €6.5 billion to social security, including changes to unemployment and disability benefits.

FNV said workers from several port sectors are joining the strike.

Hapag-Lloyd said its teams are watching the situation and working with operational partners to reduce disruptions and limit the impact on supply chains.

References: joc, Hapag Lloyd