Questions over troubled cattle ship
The ship that could carry a controversial load of 4700 live cattle from Napier to China next week may not be fit for the voyage.
Last year, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority recommended the Yangtze Fortune be allowed to sail for no more than 10 days with stock on board. The trip from Napier to China will take 16 days.
Last year during a voyage from Australia to China, 33 cattle died. Although no official investigation report has been released, Australian group Vets Against Live Export (Vale) said there had been ventilation problems on the Liberian-flagged vessel. The authority also found drainage holes on livestock decks were not big enough and stopped water draining quickly.
Last night, the vessel was tracking at 9 knots (17kmh) off the Northland east coast. Last month the Australian Department of Agriculture refused to let it carry a load of cattle from Victoria because of biosecurity concerns.
On Wednesday, Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) animal health and welfare director Dr Chris Rodwell confirmed he was considering an application for the export of livestock for breeding.
The Yangtze Fortune is due to berth at Napier Port this weekend and if approved, the shipment would leave early next week.
Green MP Gareth Hughes said it was time for the trade in live animals to stop. Last year it was worth $30 million.
‘‘I’ll be extremely disappointed if another live export is authorised, especially while the entire process is being actively reviewed and the clearly problematic history of this particular ship and the high likelihood of negative animal welfare outcomes if it proceeds.
‘‘The Green Party believes in stopping harm to animals and we want exports immediately halted for the duration of the review process,’’ Hughes said on Facebook.
Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor provided a timeline for the review process.
From August to November, MPI will work with industry, trading partners and other stakeholders to develop options for a discussion paper for consultation; in December MPI will draw up a draft Cabinet paper and discussion document for cross-party consultation, leading to the Cabinet approval of policy decisions by July next year.
By December next year, decisions will be implemented.
Yangtze Fortune’s sister ship, the Yangtze Harmony, carried a consignment of 5400 live cattle from Napier to China last month, and according to Vale it also suffered from ventilation and water trough issues. Both vessels are converted container ships.
Export agent Quadrant Pacific was approached for comment.