A large-scale 24-hour dockworkers’ strike has significantly disrupted port operations across Italy and parts of the Mediterranean region, impacting container shipping schedules and intermodal logistics corridors.
The strike, initiated by the Italian grassroots trade union Unione Sindacale di Base (USB), affected more than 20 ports across the Mediterranean basin, with operational slowdowns, vessel diversions, and anchorage delays reported throughout the region.
Nationwide 24-Hour Strike Impacts Major Italian Ports
The industrial action targeted key Italian ports including:
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Livorno
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Genoa
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Venice
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La Spezia
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Ravenna
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Trieste
According to union statements, the strike was organized to protest what they described as the “militarization” of ports, particularly in relation to alleged military cargo movements.
Operational consequences included:
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Suspension of container terminal operations
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Blocked Ro-Ro terminals
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Road congestion at port gates
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Rail freight delays
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Disruption of multimodal corridors linking Central Europe
In La Spezia, reports indicated stoppage participation rates reaching approximately 78%, while in Trieste, intermodal services connecting Austria and Germany experienced significant delays.
Vessel Diversions and Anchorage Delays: ZIM and MSC Ships Affected
Several container vessels were directly impacted by the strike, particularly ships operated by ZIM and MSC.
Based on AIS tracking data and industry disclosures:
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Zim Virginia remained at anchorage off Livorno.
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Zim New Zealand did not berth in Genoa as scheduled and was reported waiting at Fos-sur-Mer (France).
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Zim Australia anchored at Koper (Slovenia), instead of proceeding to Venice and Ravenna as originally planned.
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MSC Eagle III, reportedly arriving from Israel, altered destination plans and showed Koper anchorage as its updated position.
These diversions have caused schedule instability across several Mediterranean service loops.
Intermodal Networks Under Pressure
The disruption extended beyond quay operations:
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Truck congestion intensified near major Italian gateways.
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Rail freight services experienced cascading delays.
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Industrial cargo flows toward Central Europe slowed further.
The region had already been facing weather-related congestion during the winter period. The strike compounded existing delays, particularly on northbound cargo corridors.
Broader European Solidarity Actions
The strike was described by USB as part of a wider international movement. Solidarity demonstrations or labor actions were reported in ports including:
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Bilbao, Pasaia, Barcelona (Spain)
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Marseille (France)
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Hamburg and Bremen (Germany)
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Piraeus and Elefsina (Greece)
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Mersin and Antalya (Turkey)
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Tangier Med (Morocco)
Industry observers are monitoring whether further coordinated labor actions could emerge across additional European gateways.
Potential Ripple Effects Across European Logistics
While the strike lasted 24 hours, its operational impact may extend beyond the immediate stoppage due to:
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Vessel bunching
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Equipment imbalance
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Yard congestion
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Rolling schedule adjustments
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Blank sailings or port omissions
Shipping lines may continue adjusting rotations in the coming days to restore schedule reliability.
What Shippers Should Consider
Cargo owners moving freight through Mediterranean ports are advised to:
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Monitor carrier schedule updates closely
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Confirm revised ETAs with forwarders
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Prepare for potential port omissions
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Evaluate alternative routing if time-sensitive
Proactive communication with logistics providers remains critical during periods of operational volatility.
If your shipments are affected or require contingency routing through alternative gateways, our operations team can assist in reviewing the most stable options available.
