A massive backlog of empty shipping containers is clogging up Hamilton docks owing to a combination of an overtime ban and two broken-down cranes, The Royal Gazette has learnt.

An e-mail seen by this newspaper from Gerald Swan, the customer service manager at Neptune Group Management, the managers for Bermuda Container Line, confirmed that two cranes were down and the problem was being compounded by an overtime ban.

The dock’s operator has said it was urgently working on the issue.

Meanwhile, an industry expert, as well as a representative from a major wholesaler in Bermuda, are concerned the issue could affect the delivery of essential products ranging from food to medicine. One said two ships left the docks last week without their empty containers loaded on them because they were stuck in situ.

The Oleander, the island’s main container ship, is due to arrive to Bermuda this morning and the expert, who works on the importation side of the industry, questioned where it would unload its containers given the dock was “at gridlock”.

Mr Swan wrote to reefer [cold container] customers and truckers on Friday, copying in Richard Todd, the chief operating officer at Neptune, saying: “On top of the overtime ban, and in addition to the Manitowac Crane being out of service for repairs, the Gottwald Crane has now also run into an issue, which SSL mechanics are trying to resolve as we speak.

“SSL has assured us that they are pulling out all stops to fix the Gottwald and also to position a replacement crane as a contingency.

“We are anxiously anticipating updates so that we can advise you of any potential delays when the Oleander arrives on Monday morning.”

Randy Rochester, the chief executive of Polaris, the holding company for its SSL subsidiary, which operates Hamilton docks, said that getting the equipment back online was a “priority”.

Speaking to the union issue, Mr Rochester told The Royal Gazette: “At this point SSL is waiting a hearing date from the Supreme Court, hence we will not comment as we would like to respect due process.”

He added: “Regarding the equipment, we are working to have the cranes back online as a matter of priority and should be able to service the Oleander when it pulls into port tomorrow if all goes according to plan.”

The industry expert, who wished to remain anonymous, said they had been in discussions with high-level executives about the issue. He said it was a significant concern.

The source told The Royal Gazette: “The overtime ban and the two dock cranes being down has led to a backlog of containers clogging the docks. This caused two boats to leave last week without the empty containers loaded and worries about the Oleander, the main supply boat, about to arrive early tomorrow and not being able to offload.

“Hopefully, SSL can come up with a solution to get one of their cranes back up and running but there is already a major backlog on the docks and it’s going to have a ripple effect this summer.

“If they can’t get the boat unloaded tomorrow, there will be much bigger problems and lots of spoilage. The ships contain food and medical supplies, what if they are delayed? An efficiently working dock is the number-one priority for food security in Bermuda.

“The question will be, can SSL get a crane fixed in time for the Oleander’s arrival tomorrow with both currently being down?”

A major wholesaler, who wished to remain anonymous, added: “It’s astonishing that during the very week of the Government’s Cost of Living Summit, the dock-workers’ union and the port operator aren’t working together in the national interest.

“An overtime ban combined with inadequate equipment maintenance is effectively holding Bermuda hostage — driving up costs on all products and Bermudians pay the price.

“They need to get their act together.”

The Bermuda Industrial Union was approached for comment.