SWIRE Shipping’s Australia to Pacific Islands Service is soon recommence, beginning in Melbourne on 31 January 2022, according to an announcement from the company.
One of two ships servicing the route, multipurpose vessel MV Kokopo Chief will be redeployed, operating on a 26-day frequency from Australia’s east coast port cities.
The ship will provide direct port coverage from Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane to Noumea, Port Vila, Lautoka and Suva.
Though initially serviced directly, service to eastern Pacific ports Apia, Pago Pago and Nuku’alofa will continue under transhipment connection.
The company said these ports are now serviced via Suva, with improved service levels, capacity, and service times.
All other Australia to Pacific Island service offerings remain, however Swire has reported some misconnections due to delays experienced during the festive period.
This has impacted the delivery of cargo on MV Lihir Chief and MV Coral Chief via Noumea.
The company has said all Australia to Pacific Islands cargo booked on these voyages will be transferred to Kokopo Chief, improving cargo delivery dates.
