For the benefit of forum members not familiar with the make up...

For the benefit of forum members not familiar with the make up of the livestock export industry.

Whilst the total number of livestock vessel in the world is likely higher than 90, the relevant statistic for this discussion should be the number of livestock vessels currently AMSA approved to operate from Australian Ports for the carriage of livestock.

This number is approx 30 vessels, with a total approved area for cattle of approx 210,000 m2; Wellards current control (different from ownership) is of 4 vessels (Drover, Swagman, Outback & Ute) with total approved cattle space of approx 47,000m2.

This represents approx 22% of the AMSA approved available cattle area from Australia.

There are a number of vessels under construction, some of which will be AMSA approved. Current estimates indicate 7 vessels, 71,000m2 under construction in early 2016 which will be AMSA compliant.

The key take away message is that the livestock export industry is highly specialised and whilst the participants are of limited number it is by no means a closed sector, it has sufficient participants to ensure a highly competitive environment at all points of the supply chain.