Norfolk Island
03 Apr 2007
Olex New Zealand recently supplied Norfolk Island with 3 x 35 11 kV copper cable for the replacement and diversion of old aerial electricity lines in the Old Farm road area.
However transporting this cable to the island was easier said than done ...
Olex employee Laurie Knight and his wife recently visited Norfolk Island when the cable arrived, and with the help of local Kerry-Anne, explains how large freight is handled on the island.
Located midway between New Zealand and New Caledonia, Norfolk Island is the largest of the three Islands in the Norfolk group. Unlike most other Pacific Islands, Norfolk is an ancient volcano heavily forested with its native, namesake pine trees.
The majority of the Islands coastline consists of rugged rocky outcrops, jagged reefs and cliff faces that plunge to the depths of the Pacific Ocean.
As there is no deep water harbour, ships are required to anchor about a kilometre or so off shore. The cargo is then transferred from the hold of the ship via three and five tonne hiab's to lighters. The 30 feet lighters, which are a local adaption of wooden whaling boats, are then towed by launch to the jetty.
The stevedores and boat crews make, what can be a treacherous occupation, look second nature. The skill and professionalism of these guys is clear and evident when you see on the Island the heavy trucks, busses and, of course, a drum or two of Olex cable, almost all of it arrived on Norfolk in the same way.
For more information about Norfolk Island as a holiday destination please visit www.nortfolkisland.com.au.
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