New Transfer Barge Vessels arrived on Tek Ocean Spirit

The ship Tek Ocean Spirit sailed from Queensland and arrived at Norfolk Island on Saturday 30 April 2022. On arrival the Tek Ocean Spirit anchored in the Sydney Bay, near the Kingston Pier with Phillip Island as a backdrop. This vessel was carrying the new white transfer barge named Norfolk Supply 1 and the smaller blue boat along with boat trailers. The boats had been purchased by Norfolk Island Regional Council, NIRC, for unloading Norfolk Island cargo off our freight ships.

The decision has been made in a NIRC council meeting in March 2022 to stop the use of the lighterage boats which have been used for many generations to unload cargo ships, the skills that have been handed down from generation to generation.

On Sunday morning, 1 May 2022, the Tek Ocean Spirit had anchored off Headstone and Puppies Point side of Norfolk Island. The new transfer barge vessels boats were lowered into the ocean at the crew tested them with many locals onshore watching and taking photographs.

Shipping workmen crew were flown to Norfolk Island, and they join the local lighterage crew as the vessels then transferred the trailers from the Tek Ocean Spirit to the Kingston Pier. I counted over thirty workmen on the Kingston Pier on Sunday afternoon. The large crane was on the pier, which was used to manoeuvre the boat trailers then the new Norfolk Supply 1 barge and smaller blue barge boat onto their awaiting trailers.

I took photographs and videos of the arrival of these new boats, recording the event for the new piece of history as the Norfolk Island lighterage boat freight system has abruptly come to an end.

This week I have checked out details about these new barge boats, this was information I read on BtB Marine Facebook page.

The Norfolk Supply 1, 461109 Landing Barge, has come from Hervey Bay and the company BtB Marine have re-powered the vessel with twin 150hp OXE

Diesel outboard engines. I read that these motors are known for their reliability, economy, powerful torque, and reduced emissions, which are vital requirements for commercial marine operations in a remote location and pristine environment like Norfolk Island. The Landing Barge is a 13.7 to 14 metres landing barge for cargo transfer duties at Norfolk Island, and was purchased for the Norfolk Island Regional Council, NIRC. The vessel was delivered to Norfolk Island by BtB Marine’s crew in Newcastle, on board Tek Ocean Spirit.

To see images and videos of the Norfolk Supply 1 launch check out this Facebook page of BtB Marine, Hervey Bay.

https://www.facebook.com/btbmarineherveybay

I have also posted photographs and images of the boats arriving on Norfolk Island on my Facebook page Norfolk Island photos.

https://www.facebook.com/NorfolkIslandPhotos

I did not find information about the smaller blue barge vessel; it is also a flat bottom boat like the larger white barge named Norfolk Supply 1.

The ship Tek Ocean Spirit departed Norfolk Island on Sunday, late afternoon, after the barge boats had been delivered. I have also looked up information about this vessel as well.

https://www.marinetraffic.com/en/ais/details/ships/shipid:304642/mmsi:503000081/imo:9000637/vessel:TEK_OCEAN_SPIRIT

What kind of ship is this?

TEK OCEAN SPIRIT (IMO: 9000637) is a Supply Vessel that was built in 1991 (31 years ago) and is sailing under the flag of Australia.

It’s carrying capacity is 3685 t DWT and her current draught is reported to be 5.5 meters. Her length overall (LOA) is 87.1 meters and her width is 17.5 meters.

General Information:

IMO: 9000637

Name: TEK OCEAN SPIRIT

Vessel Type - Generic: Cargo

Vessel Type - Detailed: Supply Vessel

Status: Active

MMSI: 503000081

Call Sign: VJN4654

Flag: Australia [AU]

Gross Tonnage: 2789

Summer DWT: 3685 t

Length Overall x Breadth Extreme: 87.1 x 17.5 m

Year Built: 1991

Home Port: MELBOURNE

Early this week the Southern Tiare has arrived from Auckland, New Zealand, and due to sea conditions, and the preparation of the new barge vessels, the cargo ship has been sheltering by Rocky Point side of Norfolk Island, awaiting the lighterage call to unload the cargo. I noticed on Wednesday afternoon the Norfolk Supply 1 boat trailer was being fumigated. It had been covered and gas fumigation treatment warning notices were on the fenced off area.

As the stock and supplies are low on the shelves in businesses and the supermarket, fingers crossed it won’t be too many days before the new boats can be tested. It will be interesting to see how smooth the process runs with the challenges of using completely different vessels.

Here are a few photographs I have taken of the new cargo barge boats and the Tek Ocean Spirit which delivered the vessels to Norfolk Island.

Betty Matthews
May 2022