The date of the closure of a cargo shed No.7 in Hamilton harbour to small-scale importers has been confirmed for the start of next year by the Mayor of Hamilton.

Sutherland Madeiros said that arrangements were underway to provide Local Inland Clearing facilities for stripping cargo prior to the scheduled closure of the shed on January 15.

To ensure a smooth transition, the last voyages of regular cargo to be stripped on the Hamilton docks will be Somers Isles Voyage 769 on December 12, Bermuda Islander Voyage 989 on December 13 and Oleander Voyage 1,428 on December 16.

Any Less than Container Load (LCL) cargo containers arriving after will have to be removed to one of the new Local Inland Clearing Facilities for stripping.

"The Task Force Committee has been meeting regularly throughout the year to identify and resolve issues relating to the closure of the LCL facility and have now agreed a timeline to minimise the impact on importers," said Mr. Madeiros.

"The date of the closure was determined, after consultation with industry partners and stakeholders, as being the least busy time of the year."

The move will mean the Hamilton docks will effectively become strictly a container port.

For further information contact the port operations manager on 537 4045 or email mdolding[AT]cityhall.bm