Analysts say that congestion in the Belgian Port Antwerp-Bruges is causing oil deliveries to be disrupted after a harbourpilots' strike. The port authority has reported up to 188 ships still waiting to berth, or depart. Analysts say oil deliveries are still disrupted, despite the fact that Flemish seapilots who have a crucial role in navigating vessels through dangerous or congested waters temporarily suspended their strike. The strike began on October 5, in protest at federal pension reforms. Backlogs have forced shipping lines, which are responsible for rerouting or delaying cargo, to strain supply chains.
S&P Global Commodity Insights quoted market participants who said that strikes had slowed the arrivals into Europe. Antwerp is a major location for jet-fuel and diesel discharge. Port authorities reported that the logistics chain was operating at 70% capacity as of Wednesday. A national strike had caused additional disruption the day before.
