The planned loading of bulls for Libya at Waterford Port has been delayed while the livestock boat, Atlantic M, undergoes inspection and awaits approval.

The boat arrived in the port last week and was due to be loaded by the weekend with up to 3,000 young feeder weight cattle.

However, this was postponed when international maritime authorities notified the owners of checks under Port State Control rules.

These are one of a number of standards which all sea vessels are obliged to meet. Port State Controls have a focus on seaworthiness and, in particular, on crew safety. The authorities involved have classified the boat as “detained”.

Renewed focus

There is renewed focus on safety of all shipping, including livestock carrier vessels, after the accident at sea near Japan in recent weeks in which over 40 crew members died, and some 6,000 cattle were also drowned, after the boat they were on sank in a storm.

The Atlantic M was loaded with hay, bedding and water last week for the trip to Libya but loading of the cattle did not go ahead.