The Bashar-One-Transport: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

On April 13, 2021, the animal welfare group Igualdad Animal (Animal Equality) submitted a formal request for information to the General Directorate of Health of Agricultural Production at Spain's Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. They are seeking clarity on whether the vessel 'Bashar One Transport' has secured an animal export license to transport livestock from Spain to the Middle East. This inquiry stems from the European Commission's actions in the summer of 2019, when it raised concerns regarding Romania's approval of the export of 66,000 lambs to the Persian Gulf aboard the same ship. The Commission's decision followed an investigation by Animals International, an Australian organization that revealed that 'hundreds' of lambs died during the voyage due to inadequate ventilation on the vessel, leading to extreme heat conditions. Igualdad Animal's correspondence highlights a troubling incident in May 2018, where the vessel set off from Fremantle carrying 69,007 sheep and 263 cattle destined for the Persian Gulf. The unloading process was delayed by a week, during which observers noted the animals experienced 'severe heat stress' and witnessed sheep struggling to breathe. The organization’s report highlights several concerning incidents aboard the ship in prior years. Therefore, they are inquiring with the Ministry about whether 'Bashar One Transport' has been authorized for the transport of live animals from Spain, and would like to know the rationale behind any decisions made regarding the granting or denial of such a license.

In a significant move within the livestock shipping sector, Livestock Transport and Trading (KLTT) - the premier buyer of live sheep in Australia - has announced the sale of the 'Al Shuwaikh' to the Jordanian-based Al Delta Company. The transaction occurred approximately two weeks ago, with the sale price remaining undisclosed. The decision to retire the 'Al Shuwaikh' stems from new maritime regulations that strictly limit the operation of twin-tier vessels in Australia. As of January 1, 2020, these vessels require an exemption to continue trading, a provision that had been maintained for the 'Al Shuwaikh' exclusively for sheep transport. However, an unexpected clause highlighted by officials from the agriculture department revealed that the carrier could not load cattle on deck five, leading to a substantial financial impact of $1 million per voyage from Western Australia. Consequently, the retirement of the 'Al Shuwaikh' was deemed inevitable, marking the end of an era for KLTT and the livestock shipping industry.

In a significant development, thousands of Australian sheep stranded aboard the MV 'Al Shuwaikh' off the coast of Kuwait have been successfully unloaded. This maritime journey faced complications as two sheep shipments were halted from disembarking in both Kuwait and Bahrain due to concerns over outbreaks of scabby mouth disease. Fortunately, the sheep destined for Kuwait have now been safely transferred to a feedlot, marking the end of their prolonged wait. The 'Al Shuwaikh' was initially scheduled to arrive at its destination a week ago, making this resolution a welcome relief for all involved.