THE LORD HOWE Island Board has awarded Port Macquarie-based maritime business Birdon a two-year contract extension to provide the island’s essential sea freight service.
The contract will see the 499 GT general cargo vessel Island Trader sail a minimum of of 24 voyages per year, providing certainty for island residents and businesses.
Birdon GM assets and services Sarah Yuen said the company was proud to own, operate and maintain the iconic vessel, providing a vital link between the island and mainland.
“Island Trader plays an important role in supporting life on the island, transporting a host of essential goods including groceries, furniture, cars and even the fuel needed for aviation services and power generation,” Ms Yuen said.
“This contract extension continues Birdon’s commitment to delivering safe, reliable, and efficient freight services for the Lord Howe Island community.
“Birdon is pleased to have secured the freight service for another two years, and we look forward to continuing our relationship with the island community,” Ms Yuen said.
“Our crew, in particular, are very pleased to be continuing their fortnightly voyages to the beautiful island aboard our much-loved Island Trader.”
In its Critical Infrastructure Program April update the LHIB – a NSW statutory authority – listed progress on a number of priorities, including a new compliant waste management facility, a new marine freight vessel, service, infrastructure and upgraded cargo laydown area, and upgraded biosecurity facilities and technology on the mainland, vessel and island.
A Request for Tender to build a new marine vessel (design and build) was released to eligible bidders on Monday 14 April 2025 and close 25 July. Upgrades to the existing jetty are on track to commence in the next few weeks.
A Scope of Services for the Request for Tender for a Marine freight operator is in progress.
Island Trader was built in Singapore in 1981 as Bursea, one of a trio completed for Burns Philp (NG) Ltd for service in Papua New Guinea. It was sold to Torres Islands Trading in 1989 and renamed Cape Trader, before being acquired by Lord Howe Island Sea Freight in 1992.
Birdon’s Port Macquarie shipyard has been home to Island Trader since 2009 and the business has operated the freight service since 2018.
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