Working Conditions Aboard the Ocean-Swagman

Wellard Limited, Australia's premier live cattle exporter, has made significant strides toward finalizing the sale of the M/V Ocean Swagman. The company announced an impressive $37.1 million purchase offer for the vessel from a subsidiary of the renowned Italian bulk shipping entity, Nova Marine Holdings SA, based in Panama. This new proposal exceeds the earlier offer for the M/V Ocean Swagman, which was set at $32.4 million from Heytesbury Holding Company Pty Ltd, by $3.2 million, marking a notable development in Wellard's asset management strategy.

After comprehensive repairs and successful sea trials in Montevideo, the 'Ocean Swagman' is primed for its return to active duty. The ship completed its maintenance work off the coast of South America and resumed normal operations as of March 5, 2016. This maintenance followed a significant mechanical issue experienced by its sister vessel, the 'Ocean Outback', where one of its two engines failed in December. With repairs now finalized, the 'Ocean Swagman' is set to begin loading a new shipment of cattle shortly, and is scheduled to arrive at Port Said on March 27.

The live cattle export trade to Indonesia is steadily reviving, with Wellard Rural Exports recently reporting a significant step forward. On Friday, the company was granted an Approved Export Plan by the Federal Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, paving the way for the export of 7,000 cattle from Wyndham, Western Australia, to Indonesia. This development follows an Elders shipment that marked the beginning of this revitalization. Wellard's inaugural shipment under the new plan will utilize the MV Ocean Swagman, a state-of-the-art livestock carrier that the company launched in 2010. Wellard is optimistic about this resurgence in trade, aiming to enhance export operations while meeting demand in Indonesia.