From the meadow to Ust-Luga

In July 2025, the Ambal ferry, operating on the Ust-Luga - Baltiysk railway-ferry line, transported a small herd of unique Galloway cows to the Kaliningrad region, bred in the Smolensk nursery for further breeding on the territory of the enclave.

The historical homeland of the breed is the county of Galloway in Scotland, from which they get their name. These short, hornless cows have a characteristic long, wavy coat that allows them to be on natural pastures all year round, even in harsh winter conditions. The animals are unpretentious and hardy, while the breed is adapted to the production of high-quality meat.

Kaliningrad farmers expect that this breed will successfully take root in the region. Galloway cows can become the basis for increasing meat production, which will directly strengthen the food security of the region, as well as give impetus to the sustainable development of the agricultural sector and ecotourism - from farms to processing plants.

Today, the transportation of Russian animals through the EU is prohibited, so the ferry remains the only way to transport. A batch of animals, consisting of a breeding bull, 10 cows, 10 calves, 10 heifers and 15 bulls, arrived at the ferry on two trucks. During the voyage, they were provided with proper care, feeding and drinking.

Previously, the Ambal ferry has already transported farm and circus animals, including wild deer, dolphins, lions, bears, elephants and camels. All were delivered on time and without complaints from the customer.

The Ambal ferry transports both railway cars and rolling equipment. Vehicles of up to 150 units are accommodated on three enclosed cargo decks. The approximate travel time of the ferry between Baltiysk and Ust-Luga is 38 hours. Ambal makes up to 6 round trips per month, the average weight of the cargo batch is 8 thousand tons.