Replacement ship found for calf exports

Stena Line has chartered a vessel as a temporary replacement ship for the Stena Horizon for Irish calf exports, the Irish Farmers Journal can confirm.

The Horizon will undergo planned maintenance dry docking in early 2018 and it is the main carrier of livestock trucks to the continent.

A statement from Stena Line said the company “is currently working with the owners to obtain the necessary statutory vessel certifications for this highly specialist trade.

“The criteria for carriage is naturally and correctly extremely detailed in relation to key welfare issues such as stability, movement, ventilation etc.

“As yet, we have not been able to fill these requirements but are working hard to find a suitable solution.”

The boat has not yet been approved by the Department of Agriculture.

A statement from the Department of Agriculture said: "Given the potential significance of this issue, senior officials from the Department have been actively engaging with all relevant stakeholders on this issue since it first arose as a potential difficulty in October 2017.

"The engagement has continued and intensified in recent weeks, and the Department is appreciative of the very positive role played by the ferry companies and others in working towards a solution."

IFA president Joe Healy said he was confident that the new ferry would pass inspections in time for 20 February, when the Horizon is taken out of service.

Exporters this week will begin buying calves, which will be exported to the continent.

Last week, concern was mounting amongst exporters as no suitable replacement had been found for the Horizon. IFA livestock chairman Angus Woods added: "With the increase in the dairy cow numbers and strong market demand in both Holland and Spain, there is major potential for the trade.”

More to follow.

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