WELLARD Rural Exports livestock flagship MV Ocean Drover has completed its 100th voyage with a death rate of just 0.19 per cent for cattle and 0.65pc for sheep.
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This put the ship well in front of the industry average for sheep in 2008 (0.84pc), but behind the industry average for cattle in 2008 (0.12pc).
Launched in 2002, the vessel, which is the world's largest, purpose-built livestock carrier, suffered disaster on its maiden voyage with the loss of 500 head of cattle, predominantly due to heat stress.
When this voyage was removed from the equation, the Drover's death rate for cattle almost halves, falling to 0.11pc.
Wellard Rural Exports managing director Steve Meerwald said the large ships in the Wellard fleet, including the Drover, were achieving very low rates of mortality and were regularly clocking significant in-transit weight gains.
Lessons had been learned following the first Drover voyage, Mr Meerwald said.
"All subsequent voyages have been well within industry averages which are themselves well below reportable limits."
This situation vindicated Wellards intensive efforts to take the live export trade into the 21st century as a sustainable and well managed conduit for Australian livestock into world markets, Mr Meerwald said.
