Program Overview
Birdon operates the MV Island Trader, a 485 GT general cargo vessel providing essential freight services between Port Macquarie and Lord Howe Island. The vessel is a critical lifeline for the island’s residents, delivering general sea freight cargo, diesel and aviation fuel, construction materials, household items and business materials on a fortnightly schedule, providing over 25 sea freight deliveries annually.
Originally built in Singapore in 1981 and acquired by Birdon in 2018, the MV Island Trader has been maintained and operated locally from Birdon’s Port Macquarie wharf since 2009. Birdon is proud to deliver sea freight services to the businesses and residents of Lord Howe Island, providing a vital link to New South Wales supply chain and local businesses.
Quick Facts
- Client
Lord Howe Island Board
- Location
Port Macquarie to Lord Howe Island
- Lifecycle Stage
Operate and Maintain
- Vessel
MV Island Trader
- Vessel SPECS
38 m length, 9 m beam, 485 GT, 242 DWT
- Cargo Types
General sea freight cargo, diesel and aviation fuel, construction materials, household items and business materials
- Voyages
Approximately 24 per year
Objectives
- Provide reliable freight services to Lord Howe Island
- Maintain vessel readiness and compliance with maritime regulations
- Support community resilience and sustainability
Challenges
- Operating in a UNESCO-listed sensitive marine environment
- Managing biosecurity and fuel logistics for remote delivery
- Addressing cost pressures and maintaining affordability for residents
- Planning for future vessel replacement and infrastructure upgrades
Birdon’s Approach
Birdon’s operations are built on decades of maritime experience and a commitment to community service:
Vessel Ownership & Maintenance:
- Birdon acquired the MV Island Trader in 2018 and has maintained it locally since 2009
- All repairs and upgrades are performed at Birdon’s Port Macquarie shipyard
Freight & Logistics:
- Fortnightly return voyages from Port Macquarie to Lord Howe Island
- Cargo includes general sea freight cargo, diesel and aviation fuel, construction materials, household items and business materials
- Two fitted ships cranes load and unload cargo at each port
Biosecurity & Warehousing:
- Goods are staged at Birdon’s bio-secure warehouse in Port Macquarie
- Sea freight operations occurs under strict biosecurity requirements determined by the Department of Primary Industries. All cargo is thoroughly inspected for bio-security hazards, before being loaded on the MV Island Trader
Environmental Stewardship:
- Operations are tailored to minimise impact on Lord Howe Island. Lord Howe Island is heritage-listed, recognized globally for its extraordinary natural beauty, unique volcanic landscape, and rare biodiversity to Lord Howe Island Heritage Listed park. The operations of the MV Island Trader are tailored to preserve this precious environment
- Practices align with sustainability goals and community expectations
Outcomes & Impact
The MV Island Trader delivers over 24 voyages per annum, providing consistent and reliable delivery of essential goods to Lord Howe Island. The service supports liveability and economic stability for residents and businesses while maintaining compliance with the island’s protected environmental status and marine biodiversity requirements.
The contract extension through December 2027 provides strategic continuity, supporting long-term planning for future vessel replacement and infrastructure upgrades.
Capabilities in Action
- End-to-end vessel operation and maintenance supporting remote freight delivery
- Integrated logistics including warehousing, biosecurity compliance and fuel transport
- Operation within environmentally sensitive marine environments
- Long-term asset management and lifecycle support
- Delivery under ISO-certified HSEQ Management System (ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001)
