October 24th – Argentine harvests 2021-2022


October 24th 2021

Argentine harvests 2021-2022

In view of the ongoing developing situation and different communications and instructions being issued by Sanitary Authorities of the Argentine Government we have chosen to send a consolidated daily report at the closing of working hours with an update of the day’s news.

National Holiday: Monday, November 22nd, 2021

Argentine harvests 2021-2022: The wheat harvest is being lifted at the moment. Some estimates have reduced the volume to 19.2 million tons, which is still good compared to the 17 million that were harvested during 2020/2021 season. The maize harvest is being revised to 55 million tons although it is still early times.

Crew changes in Argentina: The Government Immigration Department has announced that crew changes are allowed starting October 20th. There is still no news from Sanitary Authorities regarding tests and conditions for inbound crew. Tests will be required for boarding crew members along lines which will be similar to entering tourists, namely:

  • Both doses of Covid-19 vaccinations
  • An “Antigen” test prior arrival in Argentina
  • A PCR or similar test may be required upon arrival through the established “safe corridor”
  • Details of required conditions and terms for departing crewmembers have not yet been disclosed.
    Again, final requirements are still to be published by the Sanitary Authority.
    Until this is done crew changes are will not be able to be performed.

    River Parana draft: The improved draft we are seeing at Upriver ports is expected to be maintained into mid and second half of November. The rain in the River Parana catchment area is lasting a little longer than expected.

    Please see below the River level forecast as prepared by INA (National Water Institute) of Argentina:


    (*) Values already measured

    We urge you to consult prior load completion of vessels bringing inbound cargoes to Upriver ports.
    The restriction to use open-loop scrubbers was regulated/prohibited on Aug 2020 (Disp 15/2020), but shortly afterward the application of this regulation was ‘suspended’ by the authority (Disp 20/2020). Therefore, at present time no specific regulation/restriction applies regarding the use of scrubbers in Argentina waterways, at least, until further notice. Besides scrubbers, any other wash water discharge is strictly forbidden in riverway and seaports and to be carried out as per MARPOL Annex V.

    Scrubbers. The restriction to use open-loop scrubbers was regulated/prohibited on Aug 2020 (Disp 15/2020), but shortly afterward the application of this regulation was ‘suspended’ by the authority (Disp 20/2020). Therefore, at present time no specific regulation/restriction applies regarding the use of scrubbers in Argentina waterways, at least, until further notice. Besides scrubbers, any other wash water discharge is strictly forbidden in riverway and seaports and to be carried out as per MARPOL Annex V.

    Crew changes made at previous port/s 14 days prior arrival in Argentine ports: Besides many other documents and certificates, these below are of special concern:

    -Owner’s Crew changes protocol at foreign countries].

    -Owner’s note (with signature and stamp of the Captain and Owners company) clarifying that the crew change was carried out taking all due precautions, etc.

    -Medical certificate issued by certified professional in the country where the crew joined, not the country of origin.

    -Covid test, PCR, for on-signers at port of boarding (not country of origin).

    Lacking any of above (besides all usual documents) pilots will not be allowed to board until a 14 day period is counted starting from the moment the last crew-member has boarded.

    Will keep you posted.

    Best regards,

    Antares Servicios Maritimos S.A.

    For more information

    Local News