The 'deep and genuine understanding' between Birdon and the Lord Howe Island community will be further strengthened with the sale of the Island Trader to the Port Macquarie business.
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Birdon Pty Ltd announced their acquisition of the Island Trader and the Lord Howe Island freight service on June 26.
The Island Trader delivered its first load of supplies under Birdon ownership four days later, marking the beginning of what will be a long and supportive relationship with the community of Lord Howe Island.
Lord Howe Island boasts some 400 residents and up to 400 guests at any one time.
The responsibility for freight services between mainland Australia and Lord Howe Island is not a role Birdon has taken on lightly, Birdon's shipping operations manager Steven Bruce said.
"The Lord Howe Island Sea Freight Commercial Wharf was constructed in conjunction with Port Macquarie-Hastings Council at Birdon’s shipyard in 2009," Mr Bruce said.
"In the years following, the Island Trader successfully traveled between Port Macquarie and Lord Howe Island.
"Largely due to exposure and ongoing involvement, Birdon have a deep and genuine understanding of the needs of residents and a complete commitment to protecting the unique environment of, and surrounding, Lord Howe Island.
Largely due to exposure and ongoing involvement, Birdon have a deep and genuine understanding of the needs of residents and a complete commitment to protecting the unique environment of, and surrounding, Lord Howe Island.
- Steven Bruce
"Access to Birdon’s highly skilled team and maintenance facilities will ensure the uninterrupted continuation of a safe and reliable service, bringing more employment opportunities to Port Macquarie."
Lord Howe Island residents will continue to enjoy convenient access to a wide range of supplies in support of Port Macquarie business owners, Mr Bruce said.
The 36 metre general cargo vessel departs Birdon on a Thursday each fortnight, returning the following night.
The vessell carries all freight for the island's residents and visitors including, diesel supplies for the generator system, fresh and refrigerated goods, building materials, right down to the mail.
It is the only vessell servicing the island.
Mr Bruce said the Island Trader had plied its trade from Birdon for about nine years.
"We have been maintaining the vessel for about 15 years too," he added.
The acquisition of the Island Trader is a further diversification for Birdon. The current contract is for five x five years.
The vessel does not take passengers.
