Israeli Ports Union Approves Agreement to Handle 400-Meter Giant Ships at Ashdod

The Israeli labor union Histadrut, Ashdod Marine Transport Company management, and employee representatives have signed a collective agreement enabling Ashdod Port to prepare for the arrival of giant ships measuring up to 400 meters. This development could later pave the way for similar large vessels to dock at Haifa Port. Although Haifa's Bay Port has previously accommodated giant ships, such visits have been infrequent due to labor disputes with pilots.

The new agreement formalizes necessary changes in workers' operations at Ashdod to accommodate these larger ships, emphasizing safety, professional development, and protection of workers' rights. The ability to handle bigger vessels is expected to improve supply chain efficiency, enhance the competitiveness of Israeli ports, and strengthen the operational continuity of the Israeli economy.

Key negotiators included Nir Eisenberg, Deputy Chairman of the Transport and Sea Ports Workers Union at Histadrut; Pino Tsruya, CEO of Israel Ports Company; Avichai Hatucha, CEO of Ashdod Marine Transport; and senior pilots including Dima Agrant, chairman of the pilots' committee. Eisenberg highlighted the agreement's significance beyond labor relations, noting the shipping industry's evolution and Israel's need to adapt. Agrant stressed the importance of responsible, safe, and professional adjustments to pilots' roles and working conditions with the introduction of giant ships.