Prior to the formation of Stevedoring Services Ltd. (SSL) the Hamilton Docks were serviced by several different stevedoring companies. In 1966, with Mr. Charles Williams at the helm as the first President and Managing Director SSL was formed when Holmes Stevedoring & Bermuda Stevedoring & Terminal merged their operations. Three years later, on September 1, 1969, in a bid to further consolidate its position as the premier stevedoring company on the island, SSL and United Stevedores Ltd. merged their operations. Mr. Charles Williams was the prime mover behind the formation of SSL and changes to the Hamilton Docks as we see them today.

For most of its foundation and establishing years SSL was a privately held company until approximately 17 years ago SSL turned public. Since turning public the company has never missed a payment of their quarterly dividend.

In 1970, the Port Workers Division of the Bermuda Industrial Union (Union) was formed. During these early years the Union (particularly Eugene Blakeney and Eldrige Brimmer) and management had an excellent working relationship. Over the years, due to mainly to perseverance of the Union the docks have transitioned from a casual workforce of over 200 to 142 class “A” port workers with guaranteed work hours. Management and the Union at that time negotiated what was the beginning of the forty hour work week for the Dockworkers, which was introduced in 1972. Over the years the Union and SSL have had a tumultuous relationship at best. However in more recent years there has been tremendous progress made in working together. Presently management and the Union enjoy a very good working relationship based upon mutual respect for each other.

Many changes have come about since the early years when all cargo came into Bermuda as break-bulk, then palletized (circa 1960) and presently containerization (circa 1967). SSL presently services three Shipping Lines Bermuda Container Lines, Somers Isle and Bermuda International Shipping Line. SSL services three ships on a regular basis; Bermuda Islander, Somers Isle and Oleander and once a month the Car Ship. Today the majority of the cargo coming into Bermuda is containerized; and we process approximately 40,000 containers per year.

Mr. Raymond Mederios FCA, JP is the Chairman of SSL and Mr. Peter Aldrich is the General Manager.