Strikes in French Ports on 5 and 6 November – Disruptions to Ferry Traffic Expected

Strike action has been announced at numerous French ports on Thursday, 5 November 2026. The industrial action is part of a nationwide day of protest in France and may have a significant impact on port operations, freight handling and ferry traffic. A further strike has also been announced for Friday, 6 November.

Strike action at numerous French ports on 5 November

The French trade union CGT has called for a 24-hour strike at French ports on Thursday. The ports affected include Dunkerque, Calais, Boulogne-sur-Mer, Le Havre, Rouen, Cherbourg, Saint-Malo, Brest, Lorient, Saint-Nazaire, La Rochelle, Bordeaux, Bayonne, Marseille, Fos-sur-Mer, Sète, Toulon, Nice, as well as the Corsican ports of Bastia and Ajaccio.

Significant operational restrictions have been announced at the Port of Calais between 11:00 and 15:00. The disruption could affect all ferry operators on the Calais–Dover route. Expected consequences include traffic congestion in and around the port, delays in freight processing and loading operations, as well as possible restrictions affecting border and security checks.

Further strike by harbour tug crews on 6 November

In addition, the trade unions FOMM-CGT and FNSM-CGT have announced a 24-hour strike by harbour tug crews for Friday, 6 November. The strike call applies to tugboat crews in all French ports, including overseas territories.

This industrial action could particularly affect vessel manoeuvres and port calls, potentially disrupting regular shipping operations.

Potential impact on freight transport

The announced strikes may cause delays and operational restrictions at the affected ports. Depending on the level of participation, this could also impact ferry departures, port calls and truck handling operations.

Transport companies are advised to take both strike days into account when planning their shipments and to check the latest status of their booked services with the respective ferry operators before departure.

Transcamion is closely monitoring the situation and remains available to assist with any enquiries regarding the affected ferry connections.