An indefinite strike by Transporters A’ at Limassol Port has sent shockwaves through Cyprus’s supply chain, with the Pan-Cyprian Transporters’ Union demanding immediate legislative action to legalise new trailer dimensions. The standoff now threatens the smooth flow of goods across the island — just weeks before the Christmas trade peak.

>>Transporters’ Strike Ends with Victory for Their Demands<<

The Union urges the Ministry of Transport to push through a new bill within three days — from drafting to parliamentary approval. The proposed amendment concerns the legalisation of new high-cube container trailers, which the union says are already the global standard.

The transporters argue that the authorities have failed to act despite international changes in container and trailer dimensions, forcing drivers to operate “illegally” under outdated Cypriot laws.

“The Ministry of Transport, the Department of Road Transport and Public Works have done nothing to update the law, yet they accuse drivers of violations,” the union stated, expressing regret for any inconvenience caused to businesses and consumers.

The union warned that if the public consultation process continues at its current pace, “even six months will not suffice to finalise the legislation,” and pledged to maintain its strike until decisive action is taken.

Responding to the escalating dispute, the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works stressed that a public consultation on the relevant amendments is already under way. The proposed legal changes cover the maximum cargo height for ISO High Cube containers and side protection for extendable semi-trailers.

The Ministry expressed “surprise” at the strike announcement, noting that the union itself had participated in earlier meetings on July 9 and September 29, 2025.

“The Ministry cannot guarantee parliamentary approval within three days — that lies within the powers of the House of Representatives,” it said, reiterating its commitment to dialogue.

The consultation remains open to stakeholders until 28 November 2025, inviting input through official government portals.

Meanwhile, Eurogate Container Terminal Limassol, which manages the island’s main commercial port, has appealed for the strike to end, warning of “enormous risks to Cyprus’s economy and supply chain.”

In a detailed letter addressed to the union and copied to relevant ministries, Eurogate director Alexandros Dimitriadis outlined nine key points addressing the drivers’ demands.

The company clarified that:

• It cannot offer more than four free days of container storage, as additional delays would disrupt port operations.

• The “Release” process for containers cannot be abolished, as it is an international maritime requirement for legal cargo handover.

• Requests to store “dangerous goods” temporarily cannot be accepted due to legal prohibitions.

Eurogate also highlighted ongoing investments and proposed digital innovations — such as pre-booking systems and automated service gates — to ease congestion, but said these have not been embraced by transporters.

“The commercialisation of Cyprus’s ports brought major gains in efficiency and productivity,” Dimitriadis noted. “We invite all parties to return to dialogue to avoid further harm to our island’s reputation.”

The Employers and Industrialists Federation (OEB) expressed “deep concern” over the indefinite work stoppage, warning of “chain-reaction effects” across the market.

Delays at Limassol Port — the country’s main import-export hub — could disrupt the flow of goods, from food and pharmaceuticals to construction materials, the OEB said.

“Any prolonged strike will hurt retailers, wholesalers and consumers, leading to shortages and price hikes, especially ahead of Christmas,” it cautioned, urging workers to resume duties and allow legal processes to proceed.