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Buying a livestock carrier is one of the most specialized transactions in the shipping market. Operating a livestock vessel goes far beyond standard maritime competency. It demands specialized knowledge across four critical pillars: adherence to evolving animal welfare legislation, design and maintenance of high-capacity ventilation systems, management of complex onboard feeding infrastructure, and navigation of niche international live animal trade routes.
We work directly with shipowners, operators, and investors across the Middle East, Australia, South America, Europe, and Southeast Asia — giving our clients access to an extensive pipeline of on-market and off-market livestock carrier listings that simply cannot be found elsewhere.
Whether you are an established live export company looking to expand your fleet, or a new entrant seeking guidance on your first vessel acquisition, APS Ship Brokers is your trusted partner from first enquiry to final delivery.
The global trade in live animals — including cattle, sheep, goats, camels, and horses — depends on a small but critical fleet of purpose-built and converted livestock carriers. Demand for these vessels is driven by food security policies in import-dependent nations across the Gulf, North Africa, and East Asia, as well as the ongoing live export programmes from Australia, Brazil, Uruguay, and Eastern Europe.
Today, the worldwide livestock carrier fleet numbers fewer than 200 active vessels, making this a uniquely tight and specialist market. Vessels range from compact coastal ships carrying 500 to 2,000 head of cattle, to large purpose-built carriers capable of transporting over 100,000 sheep on a single voyage.
At APS Ship Brokers, we monitor this market continuously. Our brokers maintain active relationships with vessel owners and operators across every major trading region, ensuring that when a livestock ship becomes available for sale, our clients hear about it first.
These vessels are specifically designed from the keel up for the transportation of live animals. They feature multi-deck configurations, purpose-engineered ventilation systems, integrated feeding and watering infrastructure, and animal welfare monitoring technology. Purpose-built livestock carriers typically offer the highest standards of animal care and compliance with international regulations.
Many livestock carriers currently trading were converted from general cargo vessels, RoRo ships, or bulk carriers. A well-executed conversion can deliver excellent carrying capacity at a lower acquisition cost than a purpose-built vessel. APS Ship Brokers assists buyers in assessing conversion quality, structural integrity, and the cost implications of any outstanding maintenance or survey requirements.
For operators serving regional or coastal live animal trades, smaller vessels of 500 to 3,000 DWT offer flexibility and cost-effectiveness. These ships are commonly used for short-haul routes, such as cattle movements within the Arabian Gulf or sheep shipments between Mediterranean ports.
For long-haul routes such as Australia to the Middle East, South America to China, or East Africa to the Gulf, large ocean-going livestock carriers of 5,000 DWT and above are essential. These vessels typically carry between 5,000 and 30,000 heads of small livestock or 1,500 to 5,000 heads of large livestock.
Livestock ships are rated by the number of animal heads carried, based on average weight categories. Capacity depends on the number of decks, total pen area, and animal type. Standard cattle pens allow approximately 1.8 to 2.5 m² per head, while sheep pens are more compact.
Adequate airflow is critical to animal welfare and regulatory compliance. Purpose-built vessels are equipped with forced mechanical ventilation systems designed to maintain precise air changes per hour. For converted vessels, ventilation systems require particularly careful technical inspection.
Modern livestock carriers feature automated feeding systems, freshwater supply networks, and bulk feed storage. The capacity of these systems directly determines voyage duration and operating economics.
All commercial livestock carriers must hold a valid class certificate issued by a recognized classification society — such as Lloyd's Register, DNV, Bureau Veritas, or Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (NK). Buyers should verify the current survey status, including Special Survey and Dry Dock dates, before proceeding with any purchase.
The live export trade is governed by international animal welfare guidelines, IMO safety regulations, and importing country veterinary requirements. APS Ship Brokers works alongside specialist maritime lawyers and compliance advisors to ensure every listed vessel meets current regulatory standards.
We begin with a detailed consultation covering trade routes, animal species, capacity requirements, vessel age, budget, and preferred flag.
Using our global network and market intelligence, we identify suitable vessels and pre-screen them for class status, survey history, and compliance.
We coordinate inspections, appoint independent surveyors, and deliver a comprehensive due diligence report covering technical condition, trading history, and liabilities.
Our brokers negotiate price and contract terms under internationally recognized ship sale agreements, protecting buyer interests throughout.
We manage documentation, flag and class transfer, and physical delivery at the agreed port, remaining involved until final handover is complete.
APS Ship Brokers provides specialist sale and purchase services for livestock vessel owners. We offer confidential off-market transactions as well as full-market sales campaigns, ensuring maximum exposure to qualified buyers worldwide.
A livestock carrier is a specialized vessel designed to transport live animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, camels, and horses, equipped with pens, ventilation, feeding systems, and animal care facilities.
Prices vary by size, age, and condition. Small coastal vessels may cost under USD 1 million, while large ocean-going carriers can exceed USD 10 million.
Yes. Many livestock vessels began as cargo or RoRo ships. A professional conversion includes decks, ventilation, feeding systems, and waste management installations.
APS Ship Brokers is a globally recognized brokerage specializing in the sale and purchase of livestock carriers. Our team supports buyers and sellers worldwide with confidential, professional, and responsive service.
APS Ship Brokers — Specialist Sale and Purchase Brokers for Livestock Carriers, Cattle Ships, and Live Animal Vessels Worldwide