Germany: Workers to strike at Port of Hamburg March 22-24

Event

Unionized workers at the Port of Hamburg plan to strike 17:30 March 22-06:00 March 24 in protest over pay. The strike will affect crews of pilot transfer boats, meaning that large vessels will be unable to be guided to and from the port.

Port authorities closed the River Elbe to large vessels in advance of the strike, resulting in a backlog of at least 18 vessels outside the port as of 13:30. Restrictions are expected to remain in place through March 24. Maritime transport disruptions and processing delays could extend for several days after the strike ends as port authorities work to clear backlogs.

Further strikes are possible in the coming weeks, with wage negotiations due March 27-29.

Advice

Anticipate disruption if routing freight through Hamburg during the strike action; consider alternative shipping methods for critical cargoes.