Livestock
We care about the wellbeing of every animal we transport, as an APHA-authorised Type 2 Transporter, we’re committed to making sure all livestock travel by sea in a safe, humane, and fully compliant way. The guidance on this page is specifically for livestock and doesn’t cover pets or domestic animals travelling with passengers.
Safe sailing
To keep the animals safe and comfortable, we only transport livestock when the weather conditions are right. If we think the forecast might affect your booking, we’ll let you know at least 24 hours before your sailing.
Weight restrictions
To keep everyone safe and ensure smooth loading, we have weight limits for livestock shipments: up to 4 tonnes for St Mary’s, and 2.2 tonnes for the off-islands (including trailer).
Animal welfare
Animals must be fit to travel and transported without risk of injury or unnecessary suffering unless a vet has provided written advice and care instructions. If needed, we may ask that a vet or the owner travel with the animal at the owner’s expense.
Booking requirements
Please book livestock shipments 24 hours in advance, we will need to know the total weight of your animals and trailer. If the information you provide isn’t accurate, we may not be able to carry your shipment.
Trailers
Your trailer must be in good condition with a working jockey wheel and handbrake, and reasonably clean inside. Waste tanks must be emptied to prevent leakage and the trailers exterior must be clean of animal waste. Any trailer found to be leaking waste will be refused shipment.
Hot weather
In line with APHA’s September 2023 guidance, animals must not be transported when the temperature is above 30°C or when the ‘feels like’ temperature signals a risk of severe heat stress.
Compliance
Failure to comply with animal welfare legislation may lead to refusal of future livestock shipments and possible reporting to APHA or your Local Authority.
Documentation
Please remember to bring copies of your Animal Transport Certificates and journey logs. They must accompany the animals throughout their journey.
Further information
Download our Livestock Transportation Guidance to ensure safe, compliant animal transport on our vessels and read the best-practice guides on the European Commission’s website for animal transport.
