EMEA News
Bunkering Set to be Hit by More Strike Action at Greek Ports
Bunkering at Greek ports is once again set to be hit by a labour action, with a new 48-hour strike anticipated to bring ports across the country to a stand still, local media reports.
The strike will affect the ports of Piraeus, Aspropyrgos, Eleusis, Pachi, and Megara, starting on Wednesday January 27, 2016 at 6 a.m. local time, running until Friday at 6 a.m.
During the strike, vessels will be unable to berth at, or sail from, affected ports.
Inchcape Shipping Services (ISS), notes that Thessaloniki will be working as normal during the strike period, as their tug crews will not be participating in the strike.
This is the second time in two weeks that Greek port workers have walked off the job.
Ship & Bunker reported last week that a strike by the Panhellenic Seamen's Union (PNO) had been expected to lead tightness and loading delays for bunker players.
It is reported that dockworkers are also expected to participate in a 24-hour nationwide general strike on February 4, protesting demands for pension cuts by Greece's bailout creditors.
News of the latest strikes is said to come just days following the Greek government's decision to sell the country's 67 percent stake in the Piraeus Port Authority to China Ocean Shipping (Group) Co. for a reported €368.5 million ($400.5 million).
In November 2015 Ship & Bunker reported an impact on loading delays from a 48-hour strike at the port of Piraeus.
