Zim Ship Delayed 33 Hours Outside Haifa Port Amid Pilot Dispute

A labor dispute at Haifa Sea Transport, the state-owned company providing pilot and tug services to Haifa's ports, has again disrupted maritime operations. The latest incident involves the Zim ship Norflok, which was allegedly delayed for 33 hours entering Haifa port because a pilot refused to perform the pre-arranged maneuver and abandoned his shift. According to the company's management, the maneuver was scheduled for the night of September 26, after another ship, MSC, was to enter the port. Management claims the pilot stated he did not have enough tugboats, despite the company having arranged three of its own and two additional tugs. The management asserts the pilot ignored repeated requests from the port's captain and subsequently released the tugboats and their crews, leaving his shift early without authorization. The Zim ship finally entered the port at 9:00 AM on September 27. The pilot claimed he was not informed of the Norflok's arrival, though the port captain confirmed the update was mistakenly sent to another pilot but later relayed to the pilot responsible for the Norflok. Regarding his refusal to bring the ship in, the pilot maintained that he was not provided with the two tugboats he deemed necessary for safely docking such a large vessel. Pilots have expressed strong opposition to the disciplinary hearing, arguing that the person who allegedly failed to provide the required tugs should not be conducting the hearing. They claim the process is a behavioral review rather than a professional one, and that management is blaming them while failing to ensure adequate tugboat availability and safety standards. This incident follows a series of disputes since the labor conflict began over a year ago. Previous incidents include pilots refusing to dock large ships due to disagreements over compensation for handling them, and a refusal to accept a fuel tanker citing safety concerns. In June, a court ordered pilots to return to work after they refused to dock another fuel tanker. In contrast, Ashdod Sea Transport reached a collective agreement in August that includes salary increases and operational adjustments for handling large ships. In Haifa, however, no agreement has been reached to resolve the dispute over handling large vessels and associated compensation. Such delays incur costs for shipping companies, agents, and those awaiting cargo, impacting operational continuity and customer service. Haifa Sea Transport management also accuses the pilot of other disciplinary infractions, including not returning to work after a holiday break. The pilot defended himself, stating he remained nearby and awaited further instructions, as is customary during long shifts. Haifa Sea Transport is now considering suspending or terminating the pilot's employment. The workers' committee has rejected the summons for the hearing, calling it a flawed disciplinary process intended to blame the pilot for operational failures and urging management to engage in dialogue instead of using disciplinary measures, warning that further action will escalate the conflict.