Hamilton Docks cargo handlers Stevedoring Services Ltd.?s profits for the year jumped by 68 percent to more than $1 million as the company benefited from the continued surge in imports.

But the company again warned that cramped conditions at the Docks wee ?not conducive to the loads being handled as the current working area does not allow for all sections of the business to experience satisfactory improvement due to space limitation?.

Company president Henry Hayward said: ?Cargo is expected to continue increasing over the next few years and suggested improvements to deal with this problem have been made to the appropriate authorities.?

The company returned a net profit for the year ending March 31 of $1.07 million, for the year, up 68 percent from $660,884 in the same period in 2003.

Revenue rose by more than $829,000 to $10.36 million from $9.53 million in 2003 while expenses were maintained at a ?tolerable level?, rising from $8.89 million to $9.29 million.

Mr. Hayward added: ?Major investment in heavy equipment has resulted in between productivity in handling vessels servicing the Island and providing support for other areas of the operation.?

Referring to the space shortage on the Hamilton Docks, Mr. Hayward said: ?Careful planning by, and the willing participation of, all members of the company has allowed the docks to function under the current restraints.

?The part played by our staff in servicing this cargo flow through the docks is a matter of great pride to the company and a clear indication of the depth of expertise that resides within our ranks.?

Mr. Hayward said the company was seeking advice from overseas on cargo handling methods, improvements in vessel handling techniques, additional heavy equipment, and, available computer technology to improve the situation.

?Where appropriate, we will institute the necessary improvements to more effectively and efficiently handle this increasing cargo flow,? he said.

For the year, the company moved 542,137 tons of cargo, a 31.8 percent increase from 2002 when it moved 411,244 tons. In 2003, the company moved 505,156 tons of cargo.