A ship carrying thousands of live sheep and cattle bound for Israel has docked at Henderson in Perth's south after being stranded off the coast for several days.

The MV Ocean Outback, which is carrying 13,000 animals, became stranded off the Perth coast after it experienced engine problems as it was leaving Fremantle on Tuesday night.

The ship is owned by Wellard Live Exports but is under charter by the Victorian-based livestock export company Otway.

A spokesman for Wellard said the ship had two engines and was capable of operating on one, but Otway decided to anchor off Fremantle to assess its options.

He said safety and animal welfare had not been compromised and all livestock have adequate feed, water and ventilation.

Wellard also released a statement to the Australian Securities Exchange.

"Wellard Ltd advises that one of the two engines on its vessel the MV Ocean Outback has experienced mechanical issues," company secretary Greg Wheeler said.

"As a precautionary measure Wellard delayed the vessel's departure from Western Australia to assess the best forward options.

"Safety and animal welfare considerations will be at the forefront of any decision made by Wellard and the charterer of the vessel.

"Feed, water and ventilation to the livestock on board are unaffected by the engine issue.

"The MV Ocean Outback was designed and built with a dual independent propulsion system so can safely operate on one engine."