MV Becrux : The Largest Livestock Carrier in the World

Livestock carrier is a type of ship which helps in import-export of cattle and sheep. Since countries down under have extensive ranching areas for cattle and other livestock animals, the export of these animals generally occurs from Australia and New Zealand to United States, Canada and various other countries in the world. MV Becrux is the largest livestock carrier in the world.

The brain-child of the Italian shipping conglomerate Siba Ships, which specialises in the operation of livestock carriers, MV Becrux was launched in the year 2002. At that time – and even today – the cattle carrier commands a unique respect of being highly sophisticated ship and a true engineering marvel.

The uniqueness of the cattle class ship stems from the fact that the ship has been specifically customised according to the company needs. Built at the Uljanik Shipyard in Croatia, the live stock carrier boasts of a cargo carrying capacity of 20,000 cattle or alternatively, 60,000 sheep and goats.

MV Becrux
Credits: Livestock export truth/YouTube

Ship Specifications

  • The cattle ship measures 176.50 metres lengthwise
  • MV Becrux has a breadth of 31.10 metres with a draft of 8.60 metres
  • With a DWT (Dead Weight Tonnage) of 13,400 , the ship has a gross tonnage of 29,770 metric tonnes
  • The ship is registered to the Panamanian port of registry
  • The ship offers a speed of 24 knots

The ship traverses through the Java and the Red Seas along with passing through the Arabian Gulf to reach its intended destinations. These routes are not easily navigable on account of piracy threats, making the entire cargo carrying of the livestock carrier extremely worthwhile

 Cargo Specifications

  • MV Becrux has a pen area of around 24,000 square metres
  • There are 779 pens reserved for sheep while 1416 pens are reserved for the cattle

MV Becrux Controversy 

The live stock carrier came under the light of controversy on account of death of around 900 cattle right during the vessel’s maiden journey from Australia to Saudi Arabia. Following this incident, a lot of questions were raised about the ventilation aspects in these livestock carriers and the preservation of the lives of the cattle expected to be carried in ship in the days and years to come. Incidentally, the ship was given a complete check with respect to its pens and other facilities for the purpose of cattle transportation before it entered active operational duty.

Present Scenario

At present, there is no ship that rivals the facilities offered by the cattle carrier MV Becrux. The company however is expected to launch two more ships on par with the facilities offered by the cattle ship within a time-span of two years. With a budget of US $ 250 million, these two ships are expected to have a cattle carrying capacity of 18,000 sheep and goats or alternatively, 75,000 cattle.

The launch of these two ships will help revolutionise the cattle class ship industry with better and advanced reinforcements to meet the ever-increasing demands.

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Marine Insight News Network is a premier source for up-to-date, comprehensive, and insightful coverage of the maritime industry. Dedicated to offering the latest news, trends, and analyses in shipping, marine technology, regulations, and global maritime affairs, Marine Insight News Network prides itself on delivering accurate, engaging, and relevant information.

About Author

Marine Insight News Network is a premier source for up-to-date, comprehensive, and insightful coverage of the maritime industry. Dedicated to offering the latest news, trends, and analyses in shipping, marine technology, regulations, and global maritime affairs, Marine Insight News Network prides itself on delivering accurate, engaging, and relevant information.

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14 Comments

  1. While watching a Smithsonian Channel series about the ‘Becrux’ (Mighty Ships), there was a short clip showing a deckhand wash down a cattle pen. I was very curious as to where that black water would flow to on that type of ship. Does the ‘Becrux’ have cuppers? Surely that water cannot just flow off deck and into whatever port, sea, or ocean she would be in at the time, right? Would that waste water be handled separately or would it be diverted to the bilge for offloading in a special process at some point? Very curious.
    Thanks for your awaited response.

  2. I am looking for livestock carrier capacity 20,000 head and above
    Chartered 6monthes and above
    distination work is Berbera port and Saudi Arebia

    My e-mail is afaas12@Yahoo.com
    Skype suuqsade2
    Wgatsap 4449222
    Tel. 00252634449222

  3. I am loganathan having 15 years experience in sheep handling, and am completed b tech marine engineering, having indian cdc, passport, and my father having 25 years experience in sheep handling please sir give me cne chance for job trainee marine engineer or any jobes

  4. I am looking to chartered a barge to transport up to maximum 500 heads livestock cattle from Sihanoukville, cambodia to kuantan, malaysia on monthly basis. Send details to email: my@online.com.kh

  5. Dear Wellar

    I am Lon Ball, representing OOO Rancho Khasan, Slavianka, Khasanskii Raion, Primorski, Russia

    We seek advice and cost estimate for practical shipping of captured feral horses from The Dalles, OR or Portland, Oregon, USA to Port of Zerubino, PrimorskII Krai, Russia, very near Vladivostok. 10,000 to 20,000per load or other economical capacity ship. They are about 15 hands tall, averaging 750 to 800 lbs. or 380kg. Humane gentle care is important to demonstrate. 12 month advance notice and with BLM, USDA advance sanction and permits. Please specify terms and care details. Please advise what you know about minimum head clearance for horses abord ship voyage. What else should we know about shipping of horses? Your smallest ship may be best for first shipment.

    Thank you for your kind indulgence,

    Lon Ball
    Slavianka, Khasanskii Raion, Primorski, Russia

    Trout Lake, WA, USA

  6. sir I have a question please respect…..who is the crew assign in every part inside the livestock ship???

  7. Respected sir i have a experience of 60 mths in bulk carrier and i want to join cattle carrier plz help me out

  8. I am interested to where and which vessel LAURA PINASCO is working on ?
    I would appreciate any information.

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