Dockworker Strike Disrupts Major Italian Ports over Alleged Arms Shipments

Dockworkers across Italy disrupted port operations after unionized labor staged a 24-hour strike protesting the alleged “militarization” of ports and the handling of arms and military cargo, forcing several container ships to remain offshore or divert to alternative anchorages. Reports indicate that vessels operated by ZIM and MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company were among those affected.

The strike was called by Unione Sindacale di Base (USB), which accused Italian ports of being used for the transport of weapons and military equipment. Union representatives said the protest was primarily focused on alleged arms shipments destined for Israel, an issue that has repeatedly surfaced during the war in Gaza. Similar protests have occurred during the conflict, with activists attempting to block vessels and prevent port calls. In a related development, the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission is investigating incidents from 2024 involving Maersk Line, Ltd., after American-flagged vessels were denied port access in Spain.

According to the union, the call for action was widely observed, impacting most of Italy’s major ports. USB also claimed solidarity actions were reported outside Italy, including in Bilbao and Pasaia in Spain, Mersin and Antalya in Turkey, and major European ports such as Tangier Med, Hamburg, Bremen, Marseille, and Barcelona.

Among the vessels reported to be affected were three ZIM container ships scheduled to call at Italian ports. AIS data showed the ZIM Virginia holding position off the coast of Livorno, with the union stating the vessel had been unable to berth and alleging it was carrying weapons. The ZIM New Zealand was reported holding at Fos-sur-Mer in France, despite being scheduled to dock in Genoa, while the ZIM Australia was observed at anchorage in Koper, Slovenia, after reportedly being scheduled for calls at Venice and Ravenna.

The union also reported that the MSC Eagle III, operating in the Mediterranean with AIS data indicating it was sailing from Israel, had been scheduled to call at Ravenna before proceeding to Venice, but was instead showing a destination of Koper anchorage.

Port disruptions were particularly severe in Genoa, where container and Ro-Ro terminals were reportedly blocked, leading to congestion in road and rail traffic. The strike reportedly spread to La Spezia and Vado Gateway, with the union claiming a 78 percent operational stoppage at La Spezia. In eastern Italy, the port of Trieste was also affected, with USB stating that intermodal operations linking Italy with Austria and Germany experienced significant disruption. The union noted that these logistics chains were already under strain due to adverse winter weather, with the strike further impacting industrial cargo flows into Central Europe.