ASX Announcement
Wellard Limited (Wellard, ASX:WLD) is pleased to announced that the latest addition to its fleet, the purpose-designed and built M/V Ocean Shearer, has successfully passed inspection by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) and has been granted its Interim Australian Certificate* for the Carriage of Livestock (ACCL).
The receipt of this interim certificate instantaneously approves the vessel to transport Australian livestock.
The M/V Ocean Shearer is the world’s largest purpose-built livestock carrier, a record previously held by its sister ship, Wellard’s M/V Ocean Drover. It was officially handed to Wellard on 28 April 2016 and has been operating out of South America, as part of Wellard’s sourcing diversification strategy.
Wellard CEO Mauro Balzarini said the M/V Ocean Shearer had exceeded all of its performance benchmarks in its first months of operations. Plus its stronger ventilation, higher fresh water production, and other enhancements of livestock services had improved animal welfare and voyage outcomes.
“The inclusion of the M/V Ocean Shearer into our fleet also ensures we continue to operate one of the youngest livestock fleets in the world and one of the largest Australian Maritime Safety Authority approved fleets in the live export sector,” Mr Balzarini said.
The M/V Ocean Shearer has a 23,500 square metre carrying capacity so, depending on individual weight, can transport 20,000 cattle or 75,000 sheep, or a combination of both, on a single voyage. It has a fuel range of approximately 18,000 miles and can cruise at one the highest speeds in the industry, enabling fast voyage completion and therefore more voyages per year.
(*) It is customary for an interim certificate to be issued before the central office issues the final certificate.
For further information:
Investors
Managing Director, Mauro Balzarini
Phone: + 61 8 9432 2800
Media
FTI Consulting, Cameron Morse
Phone: + 61 8 9485 8888
Mobile: +61 (0) 433 886 871