Residents were advised not to stockpile goods as the Government explored avenues to mitigate any potential impact on the island’s supply chain from a strike by port workers in the United States.

The dock-workers with the International Longshoremen's Association have threatened to take strike action on October 1, a move which could impact shipping lines globally.

Michael Weeks, the Minister of National Security, said the situation was being monitored as about 45,000 port workers on the US East Coast threatened strike action last week over automation of their jobs.

After a “productive” supply chain meeting yesterday afternoon, Mr Weeks said: “I want to assure the public that contingency plans are in place to ensure the continuity of essential imports to the island.”

Mr Weeks said grocery stores confirmed during the meeting that they had six to eight weeks' supply of non-perishable goods and one to two weeks' supply of perishable items, indicating that there was plenty of stock on the island.

He added that critical items would still be shipped to Bermuda from a port unaffected by the potential strike.

“We have sufficient dry containers and refrigerated containers available to transport goods,” Mr Weeks said.

“Pharmaceuticals will not be affected as they are brought in by air freight, which means that medical supplies remain uninterrupted."

Stevedoring Services Limited, the island's dock managers, confirmed that they could handle the volume that will arrive at the Hamilton Docks through one ship.

Mr Weeks added: “When work resumes by the ILA — assuming they do go out on strike on October 1 — Bermuda Container Line will not see any disruption to the resumption of their services at the New Jersey docks.”

He urged vendors to assist in the smooth operation of the supply chain by returning all containers, especially the refrigerated “reefers”, to the Hamilton Docks as soon as possible.

“We are committed to keeping the supply chain moving efficiently,” Mr Weeks said.

“While there may be minor delays, our comprehensive contingency plan is designed to minimise any potential impact.

“We also are very appreciative of all the efforts being made by the local shipping lines, wholesalers and other agencies who are working together to ensure that there is minimal disruption to the provision of goods for Bermuda.

“The Government will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide further updates as necessary.”

Earlier in the day, Mr Weeks said that Bermuda Container Line and Bermuda International Shipping Ltd were collaborating to maintain supply routes to the island should the strike materialise.

In a recent notice to customers, Bermuda Container Line said it was monitoring the situation and how it could affect shipping out of the ports of New York and New Jersey.

“In the event of a strike, the Oleander will not be able to sail and Voyage 2289 will be in jeopardy of being cancelled,” the notice said.

“All possible contingency options are being considered. At this time, we suggest that importers take advantage of Oleander voyage 2288E, which is scheduled to depart New Jersey on September 27, arriving in Bermuda on September 30.”

The ILA, the largest union of maritime workers in North America, has warned that it would go on strike at a number of ports unless they can reach a new agreement with the United States Maritime Alliance.

The union has called for better wages and protections against automation which could potentially lead to job losses, but said USMA had offered the workers an “unacceptable wage increase package”.