Strike Action at Felixstowe and Liverpool Ports

It has been confirmed that Felixstowe dock workers are striking from 21.08.2022 to 29.08.2022.The Port of Felixstowe has therefore taken action to remove all Vehicle Booking Slots (VBS) whilst the strikes persist.  This will result in hauliers having no direct access to collect containers from the port.Carriers are advising that they currently do not have plans to mitigate or alleviate charges that may occur due to the strike action and, as such, these will remain for the account of the importer.Neptune is continuing to liaise with carriers to work on contingencies and to understand their plans.The situation remains fluid and we will ensure you are kept up to date on any impact these strikes may have to your shipments, along with the advance notice of possible delays and costs.Confirmation has also been received today that workers at the Port of Liverpool will also be going out on strike following a vote that was 99% in favour of action.No dates have been confirmed but we have been made aware that strike action should not take place earlier than the third week in September.Useful Links:https://www.portoffelixstowe.co.uk/https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/hundreds-liverpool-dockworkers-vote-strike-over-pay-2022-08-15/https://maritime-executive.com/article/liverpool-port-workers-vote-to-strike-for-better-wages