Dockers and port service workers have taken part in a 24-hour strike, causing shipping movements to come to a standstill at the Port of Antwerp.
The strike was instigated by austerity measures that are planned by the Belgian government and have lead to strike action beginning on the morning of November 24, 2014.
The austerity measures include the government's plans to increase the state pension age to 67 and a freeze on index-linked pay rises.
IHS Maritime 360 reported Inchcape Shipping Services as stating that around 65 vessels were waiting to be anchored at the port, while a further 12 were waiting to leave.
The protest is the first of four regional strikes led by trade unions and is expected to end on December 15, 2014 with a national general strike.
The actions have caused repercussions for the transport sector, with workers finding it difficult to get to work.
Other companies in the area offering petrochemical services have also been affected.
Strike causes chaos at Antwerp. (Source: ABC News)
