#CattleShip - In monitoring Irish Sea shipping movements Afloat.ie noted a livestock carrier that had departed Greenore Port, Co. Louth today is bound for Turkey, writes Jehan Ashmore.

The purpose built livestock carrier Brahman Express with a cattle capacity pen area of 4,758 m2 spread across five decks, had passed the Codling Bank buoy offshore of Wicklow Head this afternoon.

The Philippine-flagged vessel built in 2002 and operated by Livestock Express B.V. based in Breda, The Netherlands is part of the Vroon Group B.V. They have a diverse fleet of around 200 vessels.

It transpires that the 133m long Brahman Express according to The Irish FarmersJournal.ie had arrived back in Greenore Port on Monday evening. The 7,700 gross tonnage vessel was to load a second fresh shipment of live export cattle.

The live exporter, Viastar added the Farmers Journal writing on Monday, had expected to load 3,000 weanlings on the ship this week for the Turkish market. Viastar is expected to fill two further shipments to Turkey this year under a contract running until the end of December.

Afloat adds that Brahman Express which when in ballast is capable of 16 knots, is bound for the Turkish port of Mersin.