We would like to inform you about short-notice warning strikes at several German seaports, which may affect ongoing and scheduled transports.
As part of the current collective bargaining negotiations for port employees, the trade union ver.di has called for work stoppages at the ports of Hamburg, Bremerhaven, Bremen, Wilhelmshaven, Emden and Brake. Depending on the location, strikes will start with the late shift or in the evening of 2 September 2026 and will last until the end of the late shift on 4 September 2026. The main strike days are therefore 3 and 4 September 2026; for the port of Hamburg a continuous 48-hour strike has been announced.
During this period, we expect significant disruptions to container loading, discharging and onward transport, as well as waiting times, congestion in the port areas and delays in the handling of trucks and other vehicles. These strikes constitute an event of force majeure beyond our control; we therefore cannot accept liability for delays caused by the industrial action.
We are closely monitoring the situation and will do our utmost to support your shipments in the best possible way despite the challenging circumstances.
For any questions regarding specific transports, please contact your usual FMS representatives.
