The MV Island Trader sustained a critical defect of the hull during transit from LHI to Port Macquarie on 19 January 2025. As a result, the MV Island Trader is required to dock at short notice to effect immediate repair.

Unfortunately, Birdon has had to cancel the following Voyages during the repair period:

• Voyage 168 arriving LHI Saturday 1 February 2025; and
• Voyage 169 arriving LHI Saturday 15 February 2025

Birdon will contact suppliers of perishable and frozen goods scheduled for Voyage 168 and advise suppliers that these items are not to be delivered to the Birdon Warehouse in Port Macquarie.

Customers are also requested to contact your suppliers of perishable and frozen goods only, for Voyages 168 and 169 to cancel or delay these orders. Birdon will still accept non-perishable deliveries for Voyages 168 and 169 to our Warehouse.

We apologise for any inconvenience the cancellation of these voyages may cause, however it has been unavoidable. Should you have any questions, please contact Birdon via email at info@birdon.com.au. 

Lord Howe Island parcel delays due to freight cancellations

Due to the cancellation of two sea freighters that were scheduled to arrive on 1 February and 15 February 2025, there will unfortunately be delays in the arrival and sending of standard parcels to and from Lord Howe Island.

Alternative arrangements have been made to transport some standard parcels to and from Lord Howe Island.

Delayed parcels will be transported as soon as possible on the next scheduled sea freighter voyage which is due to depart Port Macquarie on 27 February 2025. The team will process articles as soon as they arrive and customers will be notified when they are ready for collection.

Express Post and letters to and from Lord Howe Island will not be impacted by these delays. During these disruptions, customers are recommended to send urgent items to and from Lord Howe Island via Express Post.

We apologise for the inconvenience and thank you for your patience. Please call our Customer Contact Centre on 13 76 78 if you have any queries. 

This article appeared in The Lord Howe Island Signal, 31 January 2025.