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Logistics flows in north-west Europe are expected to face renewed pressure next week due to a combination of industrial action in Belgium and the Netherlands. In Belgium, rail unions have confirmed a nationwide stoppage from Monday 26 to Friday 30 January, affecting both SNCB/NMBS and infrastructure manager Infrabel. The strike is a coordinated response to planned employment changes scheduled for 2026 and, unless an agreement is reached beforehand, is expected to significantly disrupt both passenger and freight rail traffic throughout the week. This will directly affect hinterland connections from Belgian ports and cross-border rail movements.

At the same time, additional friction is emerging in the Netherlands. In the Port of Rotterdam, Dutch customs officers have stepped up so-called “work-to-rule” actions as part of a broader labour dispute involving civil servants. Previous actions have already caused delays at major container terminals on the Maasvlakte, and unions have warned that further escalation is possible if no progress is made in wage negotiations. Combined with the Belgian rail strike, these actions increase the risk of congestion, longer dwell times and knock-on effects across road, rail and terminal operations in the wider Benelux region.

Against this backdrop, the situation at Haropa the French port alliance of Le Havre, Rouen and Paris, stands in sharp contrast. Haropa reported that its terminals experienced no congestion in 2025, despite ongoing geopolitical tensions and disruptions elsewhere in Europe. Total cargo volumes increased slightly to 84.7 million tonnes, while turnover remained broadly stable. According to port management, this resilience is driven by available capacity and strong multimodal connections via inland waterways, rail and road, allowing traffic to be rerouted and absorbed more flexibly.

Haropa has also recorded positive modal shift results. Rail volumes increased by around 18% year on year, supported by reliable rail links to key consumption centres in the hinterland. While rail freight growth has struggled to gain traction in several other European ports, Haropa positions itself as a congestion-free gateway to the European market, with significant investments underway by terminal operators such as MSC and Hapag-Lloyd.

Sources: Nieuwsblad Transport