Port of Rotterdam Faces More Disruptions Amid Ongoing Industrial Dispute

The Port of Rotterdam is bracing for further disruption as labour unions and Hutchison Ports’ Delta II Terminal remain locked in a dispute over automation. A two-day strike followed by work slowdowns has already caused 48-hour delays, forcing Maersk to skip a port call and logistics firms to issue warnings.

Terminal congestion is worsening, with yard utilization at critical levels and terminals refusing to accept containers unless equivalent volumes are moved out. The dispute has compounded Rotterdam’s long-standing congestion issues, with barge operators facing delays of up to 76 hours and feeder vessels experiencing 72-hour hold-ups. While the Port Authority remains neutral, negotiations continue, and unions have threatened further action until a resolution is reached.