MEDIA RELEASE
The Kelpie is coming. After more than eight months of design development, the keel has been laid for the MV Ocean Kelpie, Wellard’s newest vessel.
To be built at the Uljanik shipyards in Croatia, which constructed Wellard’s flagship the MV Ocean Drover, the MV Ocean Kelpie will deliver additional, state of the art transport capacity to Wellard’s fleet, as well as incorporating a new design to reduce fuel consumption, running costs and greenhouse gas emissions.
Wellard CEO Mauro Balzarini said the MV Ocean Kelpie was a mid-sized vessel that could carry 10,000 cattle or 40,000 sheep, or a combination of both. It has been optimised to deliver maximum livestock transport efficiency in the China and South East Asian markets, but will be suitable for any market globally.
“Two key features stand out with the MV Ocean Kelpie. Firstly, with a contractual Specific Fuel Consumption (SFC) of 163.6 grams/kilowatt/hour, we expect its fuel efficiency to be class leading, which will reduce transport cost of our cattle and produce low emissions. Secondly, its combination of cargo and fodder capacity will allow Wellard significant flexibility, cost efficiencies and livestock safety when it is scheduling voyages,” Mr Balzarini said.
“Combined with the latest and highest standard safety features, upgrades to crew accommodation, further upgrades to livestock ventilation and water systems, we believe the MV Ocean Kelpie will again raise the bar in livestock vessel design and animal welfare.
“Given the success of the MV Ocean Drover, which recently carried its one millionth head of cattle, Wellard is expecting the MV Ocean Kelpie will add significantly to its earnings, starting from 2H FY17,” Mr Balzarini said.
For further information please contact:
Cameron Morse
Phone: + 61 8 9485 8888
Mobile: +61 (0) 433 886 871
Website: www.wellard.com.au