Tri-modal transport operator Contargo is warning customers of potential disruption to freight traffic and intermodal services at the end of next week due to strike action at seaports in the Netherlands, notably Rotterdam. The Dutch trade union FNV has announced two strike days for early September.
The industrial action is understood to form part of wider union opposition to plans by the Netherlands’ government to reduce social welfare spending. “A strike has been announced in the Dutch seaports for 4 September. Based on the information currently available, we expect terminal operations in Rotterdam to be severely restricted or completely suspended between approximately 10:30 am. and 8:00 pm local time,” Contargo said.
Rail services affected
During this period, the company anticipates, among other things; no truck handling; no internal transport operations; no loading or unloading of shuttle trains; and restrictions regarding the provision and collection of trains.
“This will also affect our rail services. At present, we expect that some train rotations may have to be cancelled as a result,” Contargo added. In addition, the FNV has announced a nationwide 24-hour stoppagein the rail sector for 9 September 2026. Employees of ProRail and DB Cargo are among those expected to participate.
Rhine water levels rise
Separately, water levels on the Rhine have risen sharply following rainfall over the past week. This has eased the acute disruption to barge traffic on sections of the river in Germany which had been brought to a near-standstill earlier this month, leading to freight being shifted to rail and road, creating capacity pressures in these transport modes. Logistics giant Kuehne + Nagel said the recovery wa “real but partial: cargo vessels can load more than they could a week ago, though shallow water at the key Middle Rhine bottleneck still prevents fully laden sailings.”