Dock workers in Hamilton this week removed what is believed to be a record number of heavy containers from the port.

Staff at Stevedoring Services shifted 107 "Over the Road" 20 foot containers on Monday despite heavy rain, said Corporation of Hamilton Secretary Roger Sherratt.

Mr. Sherratt said he believed new arrangements to shift heavy containers more quickly had helped process the goods so smoothly.

The new policy, introduced on July 22, gives importers just five days `free time' to remove over-sized cargo from the docks. Importers are also not allowed to bring in any more over-sized cargo if the goods have been sitting for more than five days.

The new policy also means boat importers must remove vessel cradles at the same time that they take away their boats.