Livestock shipping business Wellard has just expanded its fleet capacity by 50 per cent, commissioning its big purpose-designed Ocean Shearer.
The live export ship has capacity to transport 20,000 cattle or 75,000 sheep or a combination of both.
The vessel was officially handed over to Wellard in Dalian, China today, after it was completed and commissioned by the COSCO ship yard.
The M/V Ocean Shearer is an improved version of Wellard’s flagship, the M/V Ocean Drover.
It has a fuel range of almost 30,000 kilometres and one the fastest sailing speeds in the industry.
The vessel’s fodder storage system holds approximately 3000 tonnes, an increase on previous designs.
Wellard chief executive officer, Mauro Balzarini, said the size and speed of the Ocean Shearer would provide voyage flexibility as well as economies of scale, especially as markets expand and distances increase.
M/V Ocean Shearer would form an important part of Wellard’s strategy to increase worldwide trade in live sheep and cattle to meet growing global consumer demand.
“We have high expectations for the M/V Ocean Shearer,” he said.
“We have improved on what is already an industry benchmark, our M/V Ocean Drover, with stronger ventilation, higher fresh water production, and other livestock service enhancements.
“These improvements will enhance animal welfare outcomes while the additional fodder capacity provides greater voyage planning flexibility and reduced costs.”
Mr Balzarini said the new vessel’s build quality was excellent, while its electronically controlled engines ensured high efficiency and low emissions.
Required performance benchmarks were recently matched intense sea trials.
Adding the M/V Ocean Shearer to the fleet also ensured Wellard continued to boast the youngest livestock shipping fleet in the world.
It was also one of the largest Australian Maritime Safety Authority-approved fleets in the live export sector.