Dover live export ship’s berthing trial
The owner of a ship used to export live animals from the UK has taken part in a berthing trial at Dover port.
Dover Harbour Board (DHB) said Barco de Vapor, which operates the ship MV Joline to export live animals from Ramsgate port, had undertaken a berthing trial on Tuesday (19 March).
The trial aimed to find out whether the vessel could be used for the export of live animals from Dover.
A DHB spokesman said: “The purpose of the trial was to establish the feasibility of the vessel utilising the port’s large vehicle ferry berths in the Eastern Docks.
“The result was inconclusive but important information was obtained as to the precise adjustments that will need to be made in order for the ship to moor safely and securely in the berth and connect properly with the loading bridge.
“It is expected that the owner will arrange for further modifications to be made to the vessel which will then return again for further proving trials.”
The timetable for undertaking the work to the ship and the date for its return for a repeat trial was a “matter for the owner to determine”, DHB added.
Dover Harbour Board has not been advised of any further dates for the next trial.
The trial follows a request from Barco de Vapor to DHB to operate MV Joline for the export of live animals from Dover port to and from Calais.
DHB said it would be working closely with DEFRA and its regulating agency, the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) ensure all aspects of animal health and welfare were fully complied with before the transporter could be used to export live animals from Dover.
The RSPCA has described MV Joline as an “open-deck, flat-bottomed, converted Russian tank transporter”.
Following an incident on the vessel at Ramsgate port in September, more than 40 sheep considered by RSPCA officials as lame, were put down.
The RSPCA is pushing for a High Court ban on all live animal exports through to Ramsgate port for welfare reasons.