ON 1 November Neptune Pacific Direct Line will commence the first of four planned sailings of a barge service between Brisbane and Norfolk Island.
The service offers sailings on a 30-day rotation until February.
A statement from NPDL said the service was secured via collaboration and financial support from the Australian government.
According to NPDL, the barge has a cargo capacity for 1000 tonnes or 26 containers and 350 tonnes of breakbulk.
Minister for territories Kristy McBain said the sailings would help address the immediate shortages islanders are experiencing and support businesses and the community through the summer tourist season.
“Government financial support for the barges is the first in a series of measures to stabilise sea freight in the short-term,” she said.
Ms McBain said other initiatives are under development and discussions with stakeholders and shipping providers are progressing.
“In the meantime, we will continue to subsidise air freight flights to help address critical shortfalls,” she said.
The barge service is to supplement the planned sailings of the Southern Tiare between Auckland and Norfolk Island.
