The Lord Howe Island Board acknowledges the community’s concern regarding freight disruption due to the MV Island Trader not being able to enter the lagoon and its subsequent return to the mainland last weekend. This update is provided to ensure residents and stakeholders have accurate, timely information about the current situation and the steps that have been taken to manage it.
 
On Sunday 26 October, the MV Island Trader was unable to enter the lagoon due to lower-than-forecast tides. A predicted tide of 1.84 metres did not eventuate, with the actual tide peaking at 1.66 metres. Birdon advised that this did not allow for safe under-keel clearance. To avoid the risk of grounding and potential vessel and environmental damage, Birdon made the decision to return to Port Macquarie.
 
The Island Trader has now departed Port Macquarie and is scheduled to return to the Island on Friday 30th October (B186A). To meet the expected tide conditions and potential for ongoing lower that projected residual tides the return voyage will carry only essential freight, including fuel, gas and perishable food (freezer and cooler).  B187 will proceed the following week as planned, with offloaded cargo as a priority.
 
Residents may be aware that Island supplies of Jet Fuel are critically low. This is one reason for requesting a Friday rather than Saturday entry, and the approach to limiting cargo to essential items only. Fuel cannot be transported in a plane, so it is vital that fuel for aircraft and the powerhouse is landed as soon as possible.
 
To responsibly manage limited jet fuel supplies until the vessel returns, the following measures are in place: 

• Emergency flights: A reserve of jet fuel has been set aside for an air ambulance, should one be required. The hospital has been advised to request a King Air aircraft, which rarely requires refuelling on the Island.
• Passenger flights: Smartlynx flights are now operating with long-range aircraft that require only a small fuel top-up on Island.
• Freight prioritisation: Non-essential freight, including alcohol, equipment, building supplies, has been offloaded. Perishable food has been prioritised ahead of non-perishable, and dry goods will not be delivered until B187 the following weekend.
• Air freight: Eastern Air are flying in additional goods. These flights have minimal impact on local fuel availability.
• Perishables: Birdon has confirmed that refrigerated storage is operating correctly and that goods remain at appropriate temperatures to maximise longevity.

 
The Lord Howe Island Board is committed to maintaining essential services and safeguarding public safety. Further updates will be provided as needed. All billing enquiries and customer specific requests should be directed to Birdon.