Cargo Handling Suspended at Major Terminals
German seaport workers held a 24-hour warning strike on August 18, 2026. The action began with evening and night shifts on August 17 and affected Hamburg, Bremerhaven, Bremen, Wilhelmshaven, Emden and Brake, according to the Ver.di trade union.
In Hamburg, the strike covered the city’s four main container terminals: HHLA’s Altenwerder, Burchardkai and Tollerort facilities, as well as the Eurogate terminal. Operations at the facilities largely came to a standstill.
Eurogate said vessel handling was unavailable during the stoppage. Emergency crews performed only limited container movements within the terminal yards.
Hapag-Lloyd also warned customers about operational disruption. The carrier said it was monitoring developments with terminal operators and implementing contingency measures where necessary.
Truck and Rail Operations Also Affected
Truck and rail slots were unavailable at some terminals during the strike. The restrictions disrupted import container collections, export cargo deliveries and intermodal connections.
The precise end time varied according to local shift schedules. Employees in Hamburg and Wilhelmshaven were expected to return on the evening of August 18, while the stoppage in Bremerhaven continued until 06:00 on August 19.
The resumption of work does not mean that operations will immediately return to normal. Terminals will need time to clear accumulated containers and restore schedules. Some shipments could miss planned rail departures or vessel cut-off times.
Hamburg’s importance to international supply chains is also growing because the port is included in a new China–Europe maritime route offering transit times of around 20 days.
Ver.di Demands an 8.2% Pay Increase
The negotiations cover approximately 11,000 German seaport workers. Ver.di is demanding an 8.2% increase in hourly wages, with a minimum rise of €2.50 per hour. The union wants the new collective agreement to remain in force for 12 months.
The Central Association of German Seaport Operators, known as ZDS, offered a 5.1% pay increase, an additional €300 in holiday pay and a €460 allowance for employees at major container facilities. The proposed agreement would run for 19 months.
More than 6,100 workers participated in a consultation on the offer. A clear majority rejected it, arguing that the increase was insufficient, particularly for low- and middle-income employees. The union also objected to the proposed 19-month duration.
Talks to Resume on August 24–25
According to German public broadcaster NDR, more than 2,000 workers joined a demonstration at the Port of Hamburg.
ZDS proposed restarting negotiations after the strike began. The third round of talks is scheduled to take place in Hamburg on August 24 and 25, and Ver.di has agreed to attend. The risk of further stoppages and cargo delays will remain until the two sides reach an agreement.
