April 05th 2022
River Parana Draft
National Holidays: Easter week-end, Thursday April 14th, Friday April 15th. Easter Saturday April 16th is normal working Saturday morning shift.
Bahia Blanca stevedores:
Stevedores are stopping work for one to two hours during each six-hour shift in protest claiming a Covid-19 bonus. This action has now been ongoing for a few weeks.
River Parana Draft:
INA (National Water Institute) has issued an adjusted forecast.
The surge at Upriver ports starts now and will be strong for about three weeks. After that, the water level may recede slightly, but the level (basis San Lorenzo) is forecast to average in the order of 9.7 meters in to early June.
There have been more rains in the River Parana catchment area but this is really more due to seasonal rains than a to a change in the weather patterns of the last three years. Rainfall is still much lower than is “usual” and a sustained recovery of the water level is not forecast.
Grains and Markets:
Saudi Arabia has purchased about 650 thousand tons of wheat for delivery prompt onwards three months hence.
Nigeria has purchased 50 thousand maize for May dates.
Vietnam about 50 thousand for June dates.
Jordan has purchased a reported 120 thousand of barley as from August.
South Korea has purchased 130 thousand of maize for July dates.
The European Union has now allowed imports of GMO maize which is mainly expected to be shipped from ECSA. Some limitations on the maize specs to remain in place.
Bunkers in Argentina:
Bunker supplies at Zona Comun have eased up with the return to production of the PAE refinery in Campana. The refinery had been closed for maintenance over the lest few weeks. This was the first time that the whole installation had closed down for maintenance. The flow of VLSFOil is reported to be back to normal and a few bunker barges have already loaded. This refinery supplies approximately 20 to 25 per cent of the market demand. Crude remains volatile due to hostilities in the Black Sea area and local bunker prices accompany that trend.
ACA Berth, San Lorenzo:
The ACA berth in San Lorenzo is limited to maximum 180 meters LOA due to a navigation accident during late February. Although work is underway to repair the damage it is not yet known when this expected to conclude.
Argentina-Brazil Flag Waiver:
As from Saturday February 05th the requirement for flag-waivers on traffic between Argentina and Brazil has been lifted. Previously all traffic between the two countries had required either Argentine or Brazilian flag vessels. In case a third flagged vessel was used a waiver had to be obtained. The agreement or treaty that regulated this was not renewed by the Brazilian Government, and has expired so traffic is free for any other flagged vessel.
Crew changes in Argentina:
Changes of the regulations for entry and departure are imminent but have not yet been published. Soonest these are available we will update.
Crew changes made at foreign port/s 14 days prior arrival at 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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