Upriver & ACA Timbues
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 Holidays: Next National Holiday, Monday, October 12th.
ACA Timbues: The first vessel to load at ACA Timbues berthed Thursday 03rd. The mv HAKATA QUEEN berthed September 03rd noontime in order to lift about 35,000 metric tons of maize bound for Egypt. Because the equipment is undergoing it’s first effective operation the vessel is only loading in daytime hours. The operations started slowly but the systems installed have worked well. No probable ETS is yet reported.
River Parana Draft: There has been an always welcome increase in the maximum sailing draft from Upriver over the last few days. Over the weekend the maximum sailing draft was close to 34 feet. The reason for this nice draft was the SE winds that backed up the River Plate tides over a few days. The main problem is that there is still little or no rain the River Parana catchment basin in SE Brazil.
Open loop scrubbers: The San Lorenzo Coast Guard have instructed that all vessels equipped with open loop scrubbers arriving in their jurisdiction be reported to them prior arrival.
Crew changes Argentina: The borders remain closed and crew changes are not permitted. There is talk at the moment that flights in and out of Argentina may be allowed as from early October. Soonest we have news on this we will advise you.
Crew changes Uruguay: On and Off signing crew are allowed entry into the country under very strict restrictions. On signers must have a prior negative Covid 19 test 72 hours prior being allowed entry. Crew members boarding are not allowed to stop at any stage between landing at the airport (Montevideo) and boarding the vessel. Once onboard the vessel they must comply with a 14 day quarantine onboard before being allowed to work. Departing crew must proceed directly from the vessel to the airport. Considering that there are at the moment few international flights these requirements make it very difficult for crew members to enter or leave the country. Additionally to this before a boarding crew member is allowed permit of entry the agreement of Sanitary Authority, Immigration and CoastGuard must be obtained.
The best way of achieving a successful crew change at Uruguay is to have the vessel do this OUTBOUND at Recalada/Montevideo anchorage when the vessel’s schedule is not bound so much by weather and port congestions.
Recalada: Recalada, and Zona Comun have closed due to swell, fog and high winds.
Necochea: The port has been open since September 03rd at 0730 hours. It had last closed on Saturday, August 29th at 1640 hours.
Necochea: All vessels arriving must comply with a 14 day quarantine. The 14 days are counted from the date of departure from the last foreign port of call, regardless of having Free Practique issued at a previous port of call in Argentina within the 14 day period.
Bahia Blanca: Pilotage service is suspended for short periods of time due to bad weather.
Bahia Blanca is imposing a 14 day quarantine on arriving vessels. This quarantine can be excepted if the terminal where the vessel will load produces proof that an earlier berthing is required. Also an agreement with the stevedores union that adequate precautionary measures will be taken to satisfy the workers attending onboard so as to avoid contagion.
Will keep you posted.
Best regards,
Antares Servicios Maritimos S.A.
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