São Paulo – Twenty thousand heads of cattle are being shipped to Jordan through the Port of Rio Grande in the South of the state of Rio Grande do Sul. The loading started last Saturday (28) and is expected to end on Tuesday (31), as reported by Sagres Agenciamentos Marítimos, the company responsible for the operation together with Estaleiro Rio Grande, where the loading occurs.
The animals will travel in the Bader III ship (pictured above). The superintendence of the port reported that this is the largest shipment of living cattle ever in Rio Grande do Sul. According to the Port of Rio Grande, the vessel specializes in this kind of operation and has a transport infrastructure that meets the highest standards for living cattle, being 204 meters long and 26.5 meters high, with a capacity to transport up to 26,000 tonnes.
Port of Rio Grande managing director Paulo Fernandes Curi Estima said that the government of the state is committed to not let the ports stop during the coronavirus pandemic. “We’re helping in food security, and proof of this are the cattle and soy exports we are operating,” he said. The crew are not allowed to land during the shipment.
According to a press release issued by the port, Sagres reported that, before arriving at the docking place, the ship has undergone a series of surveillance protocols and met pre-operating constraints. Most of the shipped animals are European breeds like Hereford and Angus, as well as crosses with other, such as Braford and Brangus, among others. The press release adds that these breeds are very much appreciated in several markets in the Middle East because of the high quality and flavor of their meat.
Translated by Guilherme Miranda
