Welfare of Animals During Transport on Ferry Routes

Live animal transport by ferry across European waters and other sea routes subjects animals to conditions that compound welfare harms accumulated during road transport legs.

Key Facts

Over 1 million cattle and sheep cross EU member state borders by ferry annually on various routes
Sea crossing duration varies from 1-2 hours for short crossings to over 24 hours for longer routes
Animals on ferries experience engine vibration, vessel movement, and atmospheric conditions distinct from road transport
Space allowances on animal ferries are often inadequate given the distance animals have already traveled before boarding
EU animal transport regulations apply to ferry crossings but enforcement is inconsistent across member states

Welfare Considerations

Ferry transport adds a unique welfare dimension to long-distance live animal journeys — the combination of engine noise, vessel movement, confined conditions, and often inadequate space for animals who may already be fatigued from road transport legs. Animals on long ferry crossings experience all the welfare burdens of extended transport without the landscape changes that at least vary the sensory experience during road journeys. Replacing ferry-dependent live export routes with chilled carcass trade would eliminate the welfare costs of this transport modality.

What You Can Do

Support campaigns to replace live animal ferry transport with chilled and frozen carcass trade
Advocate for ferry crossing welfare standards including space allowances and rest requirements
Support animal welfare organizations monitoring ferry transport conditions on key European routes
Raise awareness of ferry animal transport welfare with shipping companies and port authorities