Screengrab from X video A 48-hour strike by port workers is disrupting operations at major German seaports, while workers at Rotterdam and other Dutch ports are preparing to strike on Friday, Sept. 4. The German strike started with the late shift on Sept. 2 and affects Hamburg, Brake, Bremerhaven, Wilhelmshaven, Bremen, and Emden. Hapag-Lloyd said the strike is affecting vessel operations, terminal work and inland cargo transport at German ports . Dutch port workers will strike on Sept. 4 at Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Zeeland. Hapag-Lloyd said the action could affect all Rotterdam terminals and cause delays to ships, cargo handling and inland transport. The two strikes are not related. However, they are taking place at the same time at several major North European ports, which could delay the movement of cargo. German port strike The strike follows the breakdown of wage talks between the ver.di trade union and the Central Association of German Seaport Operators (ZDS). More than 6,000 port workers took part in a union consultation on the latest offer from employers. Most workers rejected it. The ZDS offered a 5.1% pay increase, backdated to Aug. 1, 2026, as part of an 18-month agreement. The increase would be at least €1.20 per hour. Ver.di is asking for an 8.2% increase, or at least €2.50 per hour, under a 12-month agreement. This is the second warning strike in the dispute. On Aug. 18, workers at Hamburg, Brake, Bremerhaven, Wilhelmshaven, Bremen, and Emden held a 24-hour strike. The earlier strike slowed cargo handling and, in some places, brought operations to a temporary stop. The current strike lasts 48 hours. In Hamburg, workers at HHLA’s Altenwerder, Burchardkai and Tollerort terminals are taking part. Workers at the Eurogate container terminal are also on strike. Cargo handling is expected to be heavily restricted during the strike. Few larger vessels are expected to be handled at the Port of Hamburg. The strike is also affecting inland transport. Truck