The 8,400-dwt Polaris-2 (built 1986) is carrying 7,300 cattle from Chile to China.

The ship has instead entered Noumea harbour in New Caledonia.

Suva-based magazine Island Business said the ship's agent has been fined FJD 35,000 ($22,425) for failing to disclose the presence of live animals.

Port authorities had believed it was a routine call, but alerted the navy when it was discovered a dairy herd was on board.

A