The unprecedented operation with live cattle, which includes the export of around 3.650 heads of cattle from the Alentejo to Israel, and which began today at the Port of Sines, will be monitored tomorrow by the Secretary of State for Food and Agrifood Research.
The operation takes place under the responsibility of PortSines, concessionaire of the Sines Multipurpose Terminal (TMS), in compliance with all phytosanitary and customs rules applicable to this special operation, using the “Hostein Express” vessel for this purpose.
The movement of live cattle towards export will take around 48 hours, leaving the ship bound for the port of Haifa, in Israel.
According to a note from the Ministry of Agriculture, this is the "first export of live cattle to Israel, given the recent opening of the market to this country, as a result of the government's policy of internationalization of agrifoodstuffs."
On the other hand, it is noted that it is the first export of live animals to be carried out from the port of Sines, adapted to the circumstances of export of live animals. «This is an important event for the internationalization of this sector and for the national economy», which motivates the presence of the member of the Government.
The present shipment of about 3700 cattle, weighing between 200 and 600 kilos, totaling approximately 1.400 tons of live animals, represents a business of four million euros and is only possible given the recent opening of this market to Portugal.
This is just the first phase of this deal, as it is already scheduled for November 15, the shipment of over 4500 animals, which, once in Israel, will be slaughtered in accordance with the Jewish ritual “Koscher”.
All animals went through the strictest sanitary protocol, having been acquired by the biggest company in the food sector in Israel, which represents 70% of the market in that country, sees Portugal as a source of live animals of the best quality.
«The fact that Portugal is now authorized to export these animals directly is of enormous importance for the country, since this export was made, until now, by sea through and through Spain, with loss of income for Portuguese farmers , operators and the national economy”, adds the Ministry of Agriculture.
The "Hostein Express" is a specialized ship of the "livestock carrier" type, built in Japan and owned by a Dutch shipowner "Vroon – Breskens", which is 110 meters long and 20 meters wide.
The stopover in Sines is arranged by the company “Wilhelmsen Ships Services”, with “Iberolinhas Transportes, Lda” for freight forwarding and Sitank for logistical support.
TMS began operating in 1992 under a public service concession to the company Portsines and is dedicated to handling solid bulk, general cargo and ro-ro.
It has funds up to 18 meters ZH and can receive ships up to 190.000 tons Dwt. Its connection to the hinterland, which includes the Alentejo region and southern Spain, is served by rail and road.
According to the Administration of the Port of Sines (APS), this unprecedented operation takes advantage of the «versatility» of the Sines Multipurpose Terminal and the «excellent conditions to receive a very wide range of types of ships and cargoes».
This terminal has an area available for future projects of 43.700 square meters and has the advantage of having ZALSines adjoining to support logistical and customs services in the rear.
Comments