The Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) says the Al Kuwait vessel that docked in Cape Town on Saturday with 19 000 cattle has left for the Middle East.
The vessel, which sailed from Brazil on 10th February, left this morning.
It has left a foul stench across parts of the Mother City.
Cape Town Port Manager, Ramesh Dana, says the docking of the vessel was done in consultation with the State Veterinarian, Port Health and the Maritime Security Coordination Centre.
“Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) acknowledges the concerns surrounding the docking of the livestock carrier, Al Kuwait at the Port of Cape Town. The TNPA’s decision to allow the docking of Al Kuwait was made based on a thorough assessment of various factors and in consultation with the state veterinarian, Port Health and the Maritime Security Co-ordination Centre,” says Dana.
“The vessel docked in the Port of Cape Town on 18 February 2024, for animal feed, vessel stores, bunkers and to afford the relevant parties the opportunity to conduct medical assessments on the animals on board as well as administer the necessary medical care.”
He adds: “The safety and well-being of the animals on board was of paramount importance in making the decision and it was on these grounds that TNPA permitted the vessel to berth at the Port of Cape Town. Port Health cleared the vessel and in so doing, confirmed that all potential health issues would be managed and controlled.”
“The State Vet Directorate for Animal Health granted permission for the vessel to be docked at the port. TNPA continues to collaborate closely with the vessel agent, terminal operator, state veterinarian, Port Health, Border Management Authority (BMA) and the National Council of Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) to monitor the well-being of the animals and manage the risk associated with the livestock vessel docked in the port.”
