In an escalating move that threatens to paralyze maritime traffic in Belgian ports Belgium’s shipping pilots’ association EMPA announced their intention to implement strict measures starting May 17 if ongoing negotiations with Federal Pensions Minister Jan Jambon regarding pension reform fail.the association said on Friday.
According to the (Beroepsvereniging van Loodsen), negotiations that have been ongoing for weeks have not achieved any significant progress, despite the last meeting held with the Minister’s office on April 30.
300 pilots
There are approximately 300 ship pilots in Belgium. Their primary job is to guide large vessels safely into ports, especially in complex and congested areas such as the Scheldt River, a vital artery for Belgian trade, exports, and imports, particularly through the port of Antwerp.
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Positive signals, but these have not yet translated into concrete decisions.
The association had temporarily suspended its escalating actions following consultations held on March 27, during which the minister expressed positive signals, but these have not yet translated into concrete decisions.The association asserts that the second pillar of the pension system, which pertains to workers in the private sector, continues to be treated unfairly compared to employees in other sectors, which it considers a violation of the principle of equality.
The deadline for reaching an agreement
The association confirmed that the deadline for reaching an agreement is Thursday, May 16. If a radical solution guaranteeing pension equity is not reached, a widespread strike will begin on May 17, including a near-total disruption of shipping traffic on the River Scheldt. This could lead to a maritime economic crisis that threatens the country’s supply chains and trade.
The Belgian shipping sector is closely monitoring these developments, as international trade operators fear that any disruption to ship traffic could lead to significant financial losses and delays in cargo deliveries, especially in light of rising global transportation costs.
According to the Maritime and Coastal Services Agency (MDK), there are 21 ships stranded in the North Sea waiting for pilots to help them enter Belgian ports, including Antwerp and Ghent.On the other hand, two ships are stuck in the port of Antwerp, unable to leave, while a third ship is waiting in the port of Ghent.
The pilots demand solutions by 16 May 2025. If not, they threaten to “severely disrupt” the shipping along the Scheldt from 17 May onwards.
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EMPA is a non-profit organisation created in 1963 by a group of Pilots from the newly established European Economic Community. The initial meeting and formation of our association took place in Antwerp, Belgium. Today, EMPA has member associations of maritime Pilots from countries that lie on the Baltic Sea, the North Sea, The Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean and the Black Sea
