Bermuda’s shipping agents, and Government, are waiting anxiously for news on a potential longshoremen’s strike on the US East Coast.US media are reporting that 15 ports from Massachusetts to Texas, including New York and New Jersey, could be closed if a dispute over “container royalties” is not resolved by December 29. The possible disruption to shipping on the US East Coast has been dubbed ‘Container Cliff’.“We are watching the situation very closely, and will continue to do so over the coming days. Bermuda is well served by three containers ships, one of which — the Oleander — will be directly affected by International Longshoreman’s Association strike action should it happen,” said Transport Minister Shawn Crockwell.“There is the possibility for US Government federal mediators to bring the two sides together on or before December 28th, and we will have a better appreciation of the situation then.”Just under half of imports coming into Bermuda by sea will be unaffected, according to Meyer Shipping boss Joe Simas.The dispute is between the IL and employers represented by the US Marine Alliance.The Bermuda Islander a weekly container ship handled by Meyer Shipping does not use ILA labour, Mr Simas said.But Meyer’s competitors, Container Shipping Management has already warned its customers that plans for the Oleander to arrive her early next year could be in jeopardy.“Please note that we have been closely monitoring the current negotiations between the ILA (who provide the stevedoring labour to our vessel) and the Employers Group on the US East Coast,” reads a notice sent to its customers.“Earlier this week both sides walked away from the table without an agreement in place. The current contract runs till December 29th and currently no further meetings between the groups are planned.“If no extension/agreement is reached before this date, we could be facing a possible strike or lockout. Either action would put Oleander Voyage 1686 due to depart January 4th (Arrive in Bermuda January 7th) in jeopardy. It is currently impossible for us to predict what will happen.“We will continue to monitor the situation with the hopes that any action that will affect our customers will be avoided by a last minute deal.“In which case we will update you immediately and in any event will send out another notice by Friday 28th December.”The company is asking customers to contact their office directly with any questions.A total of 14,500 workers are ready to walk off the job if the dispute is not resolved.The last time there was an East Coast longshoremen’s strike was in 1977.