A NEW landing craft for the Norfolk Island trade has returned to the shipyard after an issue was detected during a sea trial.
Neptune Pacific Direct Line had expected to receive the landing craft Norfolk from a Malaysian shipyard in mid-April.
Its first service, originally set to commence in May (calling Brisbane, Norfolk Island and Auckland), has now been pushed back.
“Unfortunately, we were not satisfied with the sea trials due to engine vibration,” NPDL said in a Norfolk Island service update.
“The vessel has returned to dock to have the engine shaft realigned. The next sea trial is planned for the 5th of May.”
NPDL said it expects to take ownership of the vessel by 12 May, with first voyage commencing early-June from Brisbane.
NPDL has previously said the Norfolk LCT was purchased and designed specifically for the requirements of the Norfolk trade now and in years to come.
“We are looking forward to the landing crafts arrival, we want to make sure that the vessel is in the right condition to provide reliable service to Norfolk over the long term,” it said.
“We would like to take this opportunity to extend our gratitude to Norfolk Island for your continued support.”
