The Ministry of National Security wishes to inform the public that it continues to closely monitor the strike of approximately 45,000 members of the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) in the US, which began earlier today.
While the strike may have significant repercussions within the U.S. and internationally, the Government assures residents that contingency plans are in place to maintain the steady flow of goods to Bermuda.
Acting Minister of National Security, Lt. Col. the Hon. David A. Burch, OBE (Mil), ED, JP, MP, stated: "We understand the concerns this situation may raise among our residents. I want to reassure everyone that our shipping partners have proactively adjusted their operations to ensure minimal disruption to the import of goods to Bermuda."
Key shipping companies have implemented alternative strategies to navigate the challenges posed by the strike:
- Bermuda Container Line (BCL) container ship Oleander, which operates from Port Elizabeth, New Jersey, is collaborating with local agencies to route goods through unaffected ports such as Salem, NJ. This approach is expected to prevent interruptions in the importation of goods. Meanwhile, the Oleander will remain anchored off the New Jersey coast, ready to resume loading once the strike concludes.
- Bermuda International Shipping Limited (BISL), which operates the Bermuda Islander, has confirmed its capacity to handle all cargo from northern regions. While there may be concerns about container equipment if the strike extends beyond a week, the company plans to maintain regular weekly arrivals every Thursday.
- Shipping services via Container Ship Management Limited (CSM) from Florida ports remain unaffected by the strike, ensuring that scheduled shipments proceed as usual.
- The importation of vehicles continues without interruption, as car carriers transit through the Panama Canal and are not impacted by the strike.
Local importers have communicated their efforts to maximise stock availability. Wholesalers have confirmed they have sufficient supplies, with non-perishable goods stocked for six to eight weeks and perishables for one to two weeks. Additionally, ample shipping containers are available to transport dry and frozen goods.
"We are determined to support our shipping partners in any way necessary to keep our supply lines open," Minister Burch added. "Our wholesalers and importers have shown exemplary preparedness, and we are confident in their ability to meet the Island's needs during this period."
A follow-up supply-chain meeting is scheduled for next week to reassess the situation and ensure ongoing coordination among all stakeholders.
The Government will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available and encourage the public to remain calm and trust the measures being taken to safeguard Bermuda's interests.