The Finnish Transport Workers' Union (AKT) and employers’ association did not reach a result in the collective agreement negotiations. Consequently, AKT has announced a strike at Finnish ports from 15th of February onwards.
In addition to the Finnish ports, the strike affects terminal operations and road haulage activities. Full list of the impacted terminals, trucking-, oil- and tanker companies can be found from AKT website.
The strike has stopped the normal container traffic at ports and is affecting domestic and foreign truck and trailer traffic. The strike also causes extensive exceptions to delivery schedules and transport capacity.
Sea logistics:
Several shipping companies have already announced feeder traffic cancellations to Finland until further notice. We expect more cancellations in the coming days. We kindly ask our customers to take into consideration that it is not possible to return loaded or empty containers to the port during the strike.
Containers on their way to Finland will be stopped and stored at European ports until the strike end. This may cause additional costs for freight payers in case the strike continues. Additional costs might also appear to both export and import containers on hold at Finnish ports. According to latest information, some feeder vessels have not unloaded import containers at Finnish ports due to the strike.
Kuehne+Nagel strives to offer alternative routings and special arrangements for our customer sea freight shipments. Our LCL-terminal is operating normally and export LCL shipments can be handled through the Antwerp gateway for an additional fee.
Road logistics:
Road logistics production method has changed due strike, as unaccompanied trailers are no longer handled at ports. Export and import trailers can be shipped as combinations and alternative routings can be utilized. Because of the changed production method, transit times are longer and capacity has decreased due drivers accompany the trailers on the vessels. We are not able to guarantee capacity nor schedule during the strike. There will be additional costs due the changed production method.
Air logistics:
So far, there has been no disruptions in the airfreight shipments leaving or arriving by air from or to Finland. Changes in schedules and additional costs may apply in case forward or onward transport of airfreight shipment is handled by road and sea between Finland and Central Europe, We will communicate possible changes separately and do our utmost to find alternative routings.
We apologize for the inconvenience caused by the strike.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your Kuehne+Nagel representative.
