Critical Alert: Europe Port Strikes Trigger Severe Congestion - How to Protect Your Shipments

Europe's Perfect Storm: Strike Schedule & Smart Workarounds

June [X], 2025 – Cascading labor actions across Northern Europe are creating the worst port congestion since 2022. Here's your survival guide:

Strike Hotspots & Timetable

Sweden (June 19-26):

• Gothenburg: APM Terminals closed 12:00-21:00 (23rd-24th)

• Malmö: 9:00-19:00 (23rd-24th)

• Sundsvall: 34-hour strike from 7:00 (23rd)

Belgium (June 25-26):

• Antwerp truck slots fully booked, container cutoff shortened to 5 days pre-arrival

• Night shift workers joining strike → 48-hour ripple effect

Real-Time Impact Metrics

• Antwerp wait times: 1.44 days (vs 0.8-day norm)
• Truck booking lead time: 72+ hours
• Detour surcharges: +€200-400/TEU at alternate ports

️ 4 Emergency Protocols

1️⃣ Reroute Immediately

• Consider Hamburg/Bremen (currently strike-free)

• Feeder connections to Scandinavia still operational

2️⃣ Pre-Strike Buffer

• Sweden-bound cargo: Ship before June 18 or after June 27

• Belgium cargo: Avoid ETA June 24-28

3️⃣ Documentation Overdrive

• Extend LC validity by +15 days

• Pre-submit customs docs to avoid storage fees

4️⃣ Trucking Triage

• Book slots 7 days ahead (vs usual 3)

• Night/weekend premiums may be cheaper than delays

Ideal for logistics bulletins or client crisis alerts. Need a version with carrier-specific contingency plans? Let me know! ⚠️