TUG boat operator Adsteam is hopeful of heading off a dispute with staff before they go on strike and carry out a threat to blockade Southampton docks.

As previously reported in the Daily Echo, it was feared that Christmas presents and other imports could be stuck at sea if the docks ground to a halt because of the dispute.

Southampton tug boat staff are planning a strike vote in a complex row with bosses over where o register them registration.

A Transport and General Workers' Union (TGWU) spokesman estimated that between 30 and 40 Southampton tug workers could shortly be voting on whether to strike.

The row between staff and Australian-owned tug firm Adsteam centres on a complex issue about staff registration, with workers unhappy at having it switched from the UK to Guernsey three years ago.

Graham Stevenson, national organiser for transport for the TGWU, said: "Ships are getting bigger and bigger, and big ships can't visit Britain without the tug.

"If they don't pull the ships in, then the ships don't come, and if the ships don't come Britain shuts down in five days.

"The core problem is that we want to renegotiate the registry of workers back to the UK, and Adsteam is being unhelpful about it.

"There is a real strength of feeling, and people are very motivated by this. It's very clear."

Adsteam' chief executive in Europe, Stephen Eastwood, said: "Following a meeting in London with union representatives, the company has been seeking a solution. In the interim, the employment rights of Adsteam employees are protected under UK law. The resolution of the complexities and transfer of the payroll is expected to take a number of months to ensure no disruption to the pay packets of our employees.

"Adsteam has not received any formal notice from the union regarding its intention to ballot its members in accordance with UK employment legislation. The formal process will take several weeks during which a solution can be sought."