October 28th 2021
Flag waivers Argentina/Brazil trade
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.
ANTARES: We attach to this News a flyer with the full detail of all our staff for your ready reference. Both for our office in Buenos Aires and for San Lorenzo (Upriver).
National Holiday: Monday, November 22nd, 2021
Argentine Upriver ports: A study has been made of the grain handling facilities at Upriver ports (Timbues, San Lorenzo, Rosario and Arroyo Seco). The loading and cargo handling capacity, measured on a per annum basis, has been determined at 77.5 million tons. This is an encouraging figure since the added capacity means that the overall measurement, if applied collectively reduces the probability of extended congestion as had been the norm until a few year ago.
Flag waivers Argentina/Brazil trade: As we have informed previously the requirement for flag waivers on cargoes carried on trade between Argentina and Brazil (and vice versa) will be lifted as from February 05th 2022. This was needed because of an agreement/treaty in place since the mid-80s. Middle of 2021 year the Brazilian Government denounced this treat and as per the terms agreed it will be lifted as of February 05th 2022. In the meantime the “affected” parties have been placing pressure and looking for manners to keep their privileges. Due to this pressure it may result that there will be some “noise” in the market prior to February 2022. We shall keep you posted on developments.
Bunkers in Argentina: At the present time the principal bunker delivery areas in Argentina and the Plate area are Zona Comun and Bouy 11, Bahia Blanca Roads. Bunker suppliers mention that sales are brisk and all are busy. The traders and physical suppliers at Zona Comun are various but Bahia Blanca is monopolized by Trafigura who are the only physical suppliers although they do sell via brokers. The area which is no longer a market is Recalada/Zone Alfa which used to be supplied from Montevideo, Uruguay. The only petroleum refinery in Uruguay in owned by the State run company, Ancap, and it does not produce Very Low Sulphur as required by the maritime market. The fuel oil available from the refinery is High Sulphur and it is sold to the paper mills for their own use.
Crew changes in Argentina/Plate: The Argentine Immigration Department has clarified that boarding crew members must have the following Covid-19 related tests performed in order to enter the country and board vessels:
*Full vaccination performed at lest 14 days prior entry to Argentina
*Negative PCR test performed 72 hours prior first boarding
*Antigen test performed upon arrival at “safe entry corridor” point
River Parana draft: The surge that is improving the draft at Upriver ports is now forecast to last into mid-November. The draft for San Lorenzo and Rosario is expected to be at or over 10 meters until then and at San Nicolas it could last into the third week (#47).
We urge you to consult prior load completion of vessels bringing inbound cargoes to Upriver ports.
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.
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