Fresh Del Monte Produce could be set to move some 75 ships and 500,000 tonnes of banana cargo south in the US, from Camden's Broadway Terminal to Gloucester Terminals LLC, in a bid to save on labour costs.
According to a report by philly.com, the group's move is seen as a blow to the International Longshoremen's Union, which has said that it will lose 200-300 jobs as a result.
Del Monte's lease does not expire with South Jersey Port Corp until 2020, but its labour agreement with Delaware River Stevedores expires at the end of 2010.
However, Leo Holt told the publication that the move had nothing to do with labour costs, rather a need to use more modern and capable facilities.
Vessels entering and departing at Camden must be accompanied by two tugboats and are restricted by the coastguard as to when they can visit and leave the berth, Mr Holt said, whereas at Gloucester only one tugboat is required to dock and none are needed to depart, reducing expenses.
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