The livestock export vessel, Ocean Drover, will be towed to Singapore to repair damage it suffered in a fire at Fremantle last month.

Live export company, Wellard, said the vessel was in the process of being relocated to Singapore for repairs to the vessel’s bridge and accommodation areas.

The vessel left Fremantle yesterday under the control of an 8000 horsepower sea tug for the 2.5 week voyage to Singapore.

Wellard Ships Director Paolo Triglia said while sea tug was making its way to Fremantle, significant progress had been made in preparing for the repairs, arranging all spares required and removing the damaged infrastructure from the vessel.

“The progress achieved so far will limit the time required to refurbish the ship’s accommodation and bridge areas in Singapore,” Mr Triglia said.

“Singapore is home to the best repair yards in the world and we expect the repair to take approximately 10 weeks.

“We are also taking the opportunity to perform upgrades of the vessel to new, higher safety standards as well as performing other scheduled maintenance.”

Mr Triglia said the Ocean Drover has successfully completed 142 voyages since launched in 2002.

“We have no doubt that she will easily complete another 142 voyages and more,” he said.