Sheep ships – still coming and going in 2025, the 2028 ban still in place

Freo Today. 6 May 2025. Australia’s live sheep export trade is set to end on 1 May 2028. The government has introduced legislation to ensure the ban is in place by that date, along with a multi million dollar transition package to support the industry. The move has sparked mixed reactions — some see it as a win for animal welfare, while others worry about its impact on farmers and the economy. Calls made on behalf of farmers during the recent federal election for voters to reject Labor in WA on account of the ban appear not to have been decisive. In the meantime sheep ships like Al Messilah keep coming to and going from Fremantle exporting live sheep to the Middle East. Here’s the Al Messilah tied up in North Quay Fremantle yesterday. She’s now well on her way with her latest load to Dammam, Saudi Arabia, right next to Bahrain, on the Persian Gulf.