Livestock shipping between the Chatham and Pitt Islands and the mainland on the William Fraser, our 68m landing craft converted to carry stock alongside general cargo.
Built for stock at sea
The William Fraser has been fitted with aluminium stock pens, agricultural matting and a shelter canopy against salt spray, with 3m high side walls giving extra protection from wind and spray at sea.
Cared for on every voyage
She has accommodation for a dedicated stockperson who travels with the animals, and a trough and water system so stock have fresh water for the whole voyage.
Straight on and off the ramp
Her 8m wide roll-on roll-off bow ramp means stock can be loaded and unloaded directly at the wharf through yards and races, and she still carries general cargo with her own 30 tonne excavator/crane.
A reliable link for island farmers
Read more about our Chatham Islands shipping service.
In service since 2026
The livestock service launched in 2026 with 597 cattle shipped to Napier. The William Fraser supports Pitt Island farmers in moving stock to the mainland and adds resilience to the islands’ supply chain. Once the new purpose-built vessel enters service, she will become the dedicated back-up vessel.
- Vessel
- MV William Fraser
- Length
- 68m, 16m beam
- Bow ramp
- 8m wide, roll-on roll-off
- Fit-out
- Aluminium stock pens, agricultural matting, shelter canopy, stockperson accommodation
- First voyage
- 2026, 597 cattle to Napier
A new purpose-built livestock vessel for the islands
Read more about the new build on our Chatham Islands page.
Under constructionSteel cutting is underway on a fully enclosed livestock carrier being built for 44 South Shipping to replace the MV Southern Tiare. Her ventilation system keeps clean air, fresh water and feed flowing to every deck, with a dedicated back-up generator.
Book livestock on the William Fraser
Tell us how many head, where they’re coming from and when, and our bookings team will confirm space on the next sailing.
Request a booking