The vessel was carrying 5625 cattle to Jakarta, Indonesia, but has the capacity to carry up to 6500 cattle or 25,000 sheep, or a combination of both.

From the 5625 head loaded, 5623 cattle arrived safely, a product of the vessel's superior feed, water and ventilation systems.

At a cost of more than US$40 million, the design and construction of the MV Swagman was focused on one objective - enhanced welfare and safety of the livestock, vessel and crew.

"The Ocean Swagman is the next generation in livestock vessel design and construction," Wellard South-East Asia general manager Fred Troncone said.

"It is a state-of-the-art livestock carrier of which we at Wellard are extremely proud, and will ensure more than ever that our livestock are delivered safely and in excellent condition."

Wellard executive director Steve Meerwald said the MV Ocean Swagman's maiden voyage was typical of the investment and innovation which put it at the forefront of the industry.

"This investment is more than just the construction of a ship - it is an investment in the future of Australia's livestock industry," he said.

In addition to its investment in the future of the industry, as Australia's largest live cattle exporter, Wellard is proud of the competition it provides in the livestock marketplace - and the biggest beneficiaries from that competition and the new marketing opportunities it creates are Queensland and Northern Territory cattle producers.

Last year 150,000 cattle were exported from Queensland alone, and live exporters bid on many more lines in northern saleyards and paddocks.

Mostly these were lighter feeder cattle.

Restrictions on the growing live export trade in Queensland and the NT, which are currently being proposed by some industry participants, risk depriving producers of those opportunities.

Wellard will continue to promote competition, which will ultimately benefit producers and in the long term lead to an overall expansion of the livestock market.

This has immediate and long-lasting benefits for producers and meat processors, as it underpins the sustainability of the livestock production industry, as well as adding value to the Australian economy.

Wellards wants to encourage northern cattle breeders to keep on raising and growing out some of the best cattle in the world, which are delivered aboard the best livestock vessels in the world.