Strike in 11 Swedish ports – and what it could mean for you

Update: Several upcoming strike actions may impact port operations and container transports, specifically at APM Terminals Gothenburg, Gothenborg Roro Terminal and the Port of Helsingborg.

Strikes are expected at the following times:

APM Terminals Gothenburg:

• Monday, 23 June from 12:00 to 21:00
• Tuesday, 24 June from 12:00 to 21:00

Also, a blockade will be enforced by temporary staff during these times.

Gothenborg Roro Terminal:

• Thursday, 19 June from 10:45 to 17:30
• Continuous strike from Sunday, 22 June 00:00 to Tuesday, 24 June until 24:00 

Blockade against overtime, extra work and changes to regular working hours will take place Sunday, 22 June 00:00 to Tuesday, 24 June until 24:00.

Port of Helsingborg:

• Thursday, 19 June from 06:00 to 24:00
• Monday, 23 June from 06:00 to 24:00
• Tuesday, 24 June from 06:00 to 24:00

Overtime and extra work blockade, including postponements of regular working hours, will be in effect from Thursday, 19 June at 10:45 until Wednesday, 25 June at 06:00.

Potential consequences for you

These actions are expected to cause operational delays and logistical challenges at both ports. As a result, your scheduled container transports may be affected, depending on the severity of the disruptions on the ground.

Our team is working proactively to reduce the impact and ensure the smoothest handling of your shipments. If you have any questions, please contact your Blue Water-contact.

Thank you for your understanding.

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The situation in short

Following the first strike action on 21 May, in which around 1,000 port workers took part in a six-hour walkout, the Swedish Port Workers' Union (Hamnarbetarförbundet) has now announced a new and more extensive wave of strikes.

The new strike is expected to start on Sunday, 1 June at 16:00 and continue until Tuesday, 3 June at 23:00, affecting several Swedish ports. The union's demands include restrictions on the use of external staff and stronger protection of elected union representatives.

At the same time, the Transport Workers' Union, which had also previously announced industrial action, has withdrawn its notice after reaching an agreement with the Swedish Ports Association on 20 May.

Which ports will be affected?

At present, the impact is limited, but some delays in transport flows may occur in specific ports. The strike action will involve targeted all-day walkouts in various ports between 30 May and 5 June.

Here is an overview of the ports where strikes are planned:

• Helsingborgs Hamn AB
• Piteå, Skellefteå, Luleå (ShoreLink AB)
• Gävle (Yilport Gävle AB)
• Gothenburg (Gothenburg Roro Terminal AB)
• Gothenburg (APM Terminals Gothenburg AB)
• Umeå (SCA Logistics AB)
• Malmö (Copenhagen Malmö Port AB)
• Halmstad (Hallands Hamnar AB)
• Sundsvall (SCA Logistics AB)

What does this mean for you as a Blue Water customer?

We are monitoring the situation closely and working actively with our partners to secure delivery flows and minimise disruptions to the supply chain. Our team has already taken steps to reroute services, find alternative solutions and communicate closely with terminals and shipping lines.

"We obviously hope that the parties will reach an agreement, but in the meantime, we are preparing to deal with the disruptions. By working closely with our customers and having alternative solutions ready, we hope to limit the impact on their logistics flows. Communication, flexibility and timely planning will be crucial,” says Björn E. Jensen, General Manager Road & Automotive, Blue Water Sweden.

We encourage our customers to:

• Review all planned transports during the period 30 May to 5 June
• Contact your Blue Water contact for any alternatives
• Inform your own customers who may be affected by delays

We will continue to keep our customers updated as soon as new information becomes available. Our top priority is to ensure stability in your supply chain – so please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.