European Ports: Latest Updates on Strikes and Operational Disruptions

November 10, 2026

Since October 13, operations at the Port of Le Havre have been disrupted by an IT incident affecting the Terminaux de Normandie (TNMSC) container terminals. Several strikes at French ports on October 30, November 5 and November 6 have added to these operational difficulties.

1. Port of Le Havre: Impact of the IT Incident at TNMSC

An IT incident on October 13 disrupted operations at the terminals operated by TNMSC, particularly container movements to and from the terminal.

Operations gradually resumed in the second half of October, although service issues were still reported at the end of the month:

• Disruptions to container handling and collection operations.

• Malfunctions affecting the truck appointment booking system.

• Longer waiting times and disruptions to truck turnaround schedules.

As of November 10, operations have not yet fully been restored, and current waiting times to deliver or pick-up containers from the TNMSC terminal may result in truck immobilisation charges.

2. Industrial Action: Overview of October 30, November 5 and November 6

Several strikes affected French ports over the past two weeks.

• October 30 – International dockworkers' strike: The industrial action affected several French and European ports. At Le Havre, trade union representatives reported interruptions to container loading and unloading operations. HAROPA PORT reported eight delayed vessel calls and one cancelled cruise ship call, while describing the overall impact as limited.

• November 5 – Nationwide industrial action: Port workers took part in nationwide demonstrations. In Le Havre, several thousand people, including dockworkers, joined the protests. No consolidated figures on container handling delays or disrupted vessel calls have been identified in the available sources.

• November 6 – Nationwide port towage strike: Tugboat crews held a 24-hour strike across almost all French ports. At Marseille-Fos, vessel movements were suspended in both the Eastern and Western harbour basins.

3. Port Towage: Further Discussions Scheduled for November 12

The November 6 strike followed proceedings initiated by the European Commission concerning French regulations requiring port tugboats to operate under French flag.

A meeting between trade union representatives and the French Minister for Transport is scheduled for November 12, 2026.

Trade unions have indicated that further actions remains possible if no satisfactory guarantees are provided.

4. Potential Impact on Maritime Shipments

The disruptions experienced over recent weeks may affect shipments moving through all major French ports, and most notably Le Havre due to lingering effects from the cyberattack.

• Changes to container loading and unloading schedules.

• Delays in container collection and delivery.

• Longer waiting times for road hauliers.

• Potential additional charges related to container storage, demurrage, detention or truck waiting times.

QUALITAIR&SEA teams continue to monitor affected shipments and remain available to provide information and assistance regarding your international shipments.