New, milder farmers’ disruptions hitting Belgian ports

The Belgian ports of Antwerp, Ghent, and Zeebrugge are again being affected by farmers’ tractor disruptions, which started on Thursday morning, March 14.

However, contrary to the massive blockades that especially hit Antwerp in mid-February, the latest round of protests is not as disruptive.

Port spokespersons for Antwerp-Bruges and North Sea Port (which includes Ghent) told WorldCargo News the protests are more ‘playful’, as road traffic, trucks included, can pass with little delay.

Ghent, with about 100 tractors cruising around, is the most hit with partial blockades near the dry bulk (vegetables) stevedores Euro-Silo and the Arcelor/Mittal steelworks.

As even their trucks are not being ‘filtered out’, therefore can pass. Generally speaking, both port authorities speak of a limited impact with – sluggish – adherence to police instructions.

Shipping is not being affected so far; as the farmers and their tractors have not occupied maritime locks or bridges. In Zeebrugge and Antwerp, the blockades mainly involve one driving direction at a time, leaving the other direction open for alternating vehicles’ passing. The fullest blockade is that of an Antwerp roundabout where tractors occupy the centre circle, thus keeping the actual roundabout still open.

The relative good behaviour will be related to the EUR 1,000 per person fine that Antwerp-Bruges and North Sea Port have secured before the court earlier this week. Bailiffs were already on standby in the Antwerp port area to act if need be.

The protests, dominantly by young farmers, are being fueled by a series of grievances, featuring toughening environmental rules, phasing out of tax benefits, and alleged insufficient EU support for the agricultural sector. Talks between Belgium’s agricultural minister and the country’s main farmers’ organizations on February 15 have not satisfied the younger generation.

Written by: H. J. de Wilt