Port Expands Hours

The Port Authority has hired additional staff and as of mid-January will move to a two-shift system that will allow the cargo distribution centre to operate 24 hours a day.

The cargo dock will work 16 hours daily because of the demands of the daytime cruise passengers.

These are the latest steps to be taken by the authority in its continuing effort to free up the flow of goods into the Islands. The initiatives come on the heel of the Port's recent decision to allow the delivery of full containers directly from the dock to major importers.

However, even with these and other measures introduced over recent months to accommodate the reconstruction effort, the ever-increasing volume of importation continues to pose a challenge. Port Director Paul Hurlston reports that backlogs overseas are still contributing to delays, and shippers are sending more and more cargo - up to 300-plus containers per ship.

Many containers are still unclaimed at the cargo centre and port staff have been contacting importers to come for their goods. "Even a four or five-day delay in collecting imports causes more of a problem," said Mr. Hurlston.

While trucking companies are working at full-steam, the demand still exceeds the number of vehicles available. Some major businesses have been able to respond by importing their own trucks and chassis to move their containers expeditiously.

The authority has had good response, too, to its move to allow delivery of full container loads to commercial importers who have made prior transport arrangements. A number of importers are taking advantage of this opportunity.

Under the procedure, customs officers will visit the respective sites to inspect and clear these sealed containers once the paperwork has been completed.