Temporary changes to Cocos ferry services

Number: 2022/D08

Date: 19 August 2022

Relevant: Cocos (Keeling) Islands residents

Topic: CKI ferry services from 27-30 August

The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts advises the community and visitors on the Cocos (Keeling) Islands of upcoming short-term changes to the ferry service to allow necessary repairs to take place.

The Cahaya Baru will be out of service from 27 to 30 August 2022 while urgent work is conducted, to keep the ferry reliable and able to service the community.

These works have been scheduled to minimise community impacts as far as possible. During this period, the attached ferry timetable will run using the back-up ferry, the RJ Hawke. The RJ Hawke has a reduced capacity of 15 passengers compared to the 94-passenger capacity of the Cahaya Baru. This will have substantial impacts on the ferry services between the islands and we ask for your patience for a few days while these critical works are undertaken.

Unfortunately, during this period there will be no ferry service to Direction Island on 27 August 2022.

During this short period, it is recommended that movements between the islands for non-essential travel are limited.

At this stage, it is anticipated the Cahaya Baru will be back in service during Tuesday, 30 August 2022 and in time for the flight.

The Department, through its ferry service contract with the Cocos Islands Cooperative Society and port management contract with Linx Stevedoring, will monitor the patronage of the ferry services during this short disruption. We thank you for your patience and understanding.

Beth Duncan, Acting Assistant Secretary, Indian Ocean Territories Branch

Temporary Ferry Timetable PDF: 424 KB