Strikes at French ports to continue during March: List of dates

Several days of strike action are planned at French ports this month, which may affect UK-France ferry passengers. 

A walkout at the end of February impacted ferry services between Dover and Calais, as workers at the French port walked out en masse over working conditions, a lack of investment in the

sector, and rising retirement ages related to the 2023 pension reform.

Whilst the majority of workers walking out are those working in the freight industry, ferry services can be affected if ports are blockaded by workers. 

Ports throughout the country are set to be impacted in March, notably in Nantes/Saint-Nazaire, Marseille/Fos, Calais, Le Havre, and Rouen. 

Several other ports in Normandy and Brittany, including those that serve UK ferry services such as Cherbourg and Caen may also be affected.

The CGT union and Fédération nationale des ports et docks (FNPD) have called for workers to walk out for four hours on the following days in March: 4, 6, 10, 12, 14, 24, 26 and 28. 

On these days, workers will undertake reduced shifts, which may lead to delays for those on ferries. 

Unions expect a 72-hour walkout planned between March 18 - 20 to be heavily supported. 

This will include a port mort (dead port) action on March 18, which aims to completely close ports to all traffic throughout the day. 

Passengers are likely to face delays or cancellations if travelling on these dates. 

A general assembly of the FNPD will be held on March 25 to discuss several topics including the potential for further strike action in April and beyond.

The federation is seeking a promised €10 billion investment into French ports, as well as work to improve safety for workers at 11 ports suspected of having excess asbestos levels.

Read more: Strikes in France in March 2025 and how you may be impacted

Ferry operators ask passengers to provide details such as a phone number and email address that can be used to update them on any issues with their scheduled crossing. 

Most operators provide live travel updates either directly through their website (Brittany Ferries, Irish Ferries) or through social media (DFDS, P&O Ferries). 

These can be checked prior to travel in case of any issues.