Wellard Sells Last Ship, Ends Business with Live Export Under Pressure

Once described as Australia’s largest live export business, Wellard announced the sale of its final ship as it shuts down shipping operations. The move comes as live export continues to be under pressure and is scheduled to become illegal in Australia and elsewhere.

Wellard traces its origins to Italy and the first shipment of livestock in 1950. Its first shipment from Australia took place in 1979 and the following year it was incorporated as Wellard. In an industry known for old, dilapidated vessels, the company turned to purpose-built newbuilds including Ocean Drover (13,500 dwt) which when built in 2002 was the largest purpose-built livestock carri…