ASX Announcement
Wellard Ltd (ASX:WLD) update on M/V Ocean Outback.
The vessel is expected to resume its voyage on either Thursday or Friday, after a cylinder malfunction in one engine is repaired over the coming days. Work is being overseen by the manufacturer of the engine.
Additional fodder and chaff will be loaded while the engine is repaired to ensure optimal animal welfare is maintained throughout the remainder of the voyage.
The essential livestock services on-board the vessel (ventilation, feed and water) are operating as normal and were not affected by the malfunction.
“With both engines in service, we expect the time the animals will spend on board will be similar to the total voyage length of many other vessels that regularly transport livestock from Australia,” said Wellard Chief Operating Officer Scot Braithwaite.
“Animal welfare is our number one priority and the experienced, Australian-Government accredited veterinarian and stockmen on board will continue to look after the sheep and cattle throughout the voyage.
“The livestock are in good health and we have every confidence will complete the voyage in good health.”
Wellard and the vessel’s charterer have been keeping relevant Government and animal welfare authorities informed about the health of the livestock.
Wellard chose to hold one of its three other vessels, the MV Ocean Ute, off Broome for two days, as a precaution in case it was required to undertake the MV Ocean Outback’s voyage. It was then released to its previous assignment, shipping cattle from Townsville to Vietnam.
The MV Ocean Drover and MV Ocean Swagman continued to operate as normal.
Wellard will provide additional updates if there are any significant changes to the plans outlined above.
Greg Wheeler
Company Secretary
Wellard Limited