East-End tour boat operators had to overcome obstacles during the Longbird bridge closure last summer, and this year Hamilton-based operators will have to cope with the disruption caused by construction of a new ferry dock.

The water sports division of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce is understood to have sent a letter to Transport Minister Dr. Ewart Brown expressing concern over the timing of the construction.

The Ministry of Works and Engineering received planning permission last week to construct a new dock at Albouy's Point, and Dr. Brown said as a result, both ferry and tour boat operators would be inconvenienced.

President of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, Charles Gosling yesterday confirmed a letter had been sent. Chamber director, Diane Gordon and head of the Chamber's water sports division, Michael Pierce could not be contacted for comment yesterday.

A meeting is expected to be held between representatives from the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce and the Transport Minister in the near future.

Several tour boat operators contacted yesterday declined to comment as they did not know what adjustments would have to be made to accommodate the new construction.

New docks will also be constructed at Crow Lane and Dockyard, and Dr. Brown has said construction needed to start by July in order to have the project completed for January when the first new ferry is expected to begin carrying commuters.

The first new ferry is currently under construction in Massachusetts and the entire project is expected to cost in the region of $25 million.