East Asia ships bound for Ain Sokhna Port were diverted to other harbors Thursday as a strike halts work at the seaport for the seventh consecutive day, reports state-news agency MENA.
Hundreds of employees of Platinum Maritime Services, a seaport subcontractor, have been demanding employment contracts with port managers Dubai-based DP World. So far DP World has refused to hire them, though it has pledged to offer other services and privileges.
International shipping companies are already considering alternate ports in Aqaba, Jordan, due to concerns over unrest and instability in Egypt.
The suspension of work will likely be costly and could hamper the arrival of important commodities.
Edited translation from MENA
