Upriver Draft
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 is Friday May 01st, Labor Day.
-Covid-19 National Quarantine: The National Quarantine, with severe restrictions on people’s movements is to remain in force until April 26th at the earliest.
-Upriver/Rosario and San Lorenzo: mv ROYAL HOPE sailed from Cargill VGG (Rosario) on April 14th. Unfortunately upon departure the vessel was holed and due to this had to anchor at Rosario Roads. It is not yet reported how the accident was caused. At the moment the vessel still remains anchored there, on a draft of 10.02 meters approximately and cannot sail due to the restricted draft caused by the River dropping. It is now being decided where she is to be lightered or if another solution can be found to this problem.
-Upriver: WE WISH TO CALL YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS
Trust that you are reading our DRAFT REPORT sent during the morning. The maximum sailing draft from San Lorenzo and Rosario is 9.55 meters (31 feet 03 inches).
The max allowed draft at the main upriver Parana Ports is expected:
in the range of 31’05” by end of April
in the range of 32’00” by beg of May.
in the range of 32’05” by mid of May.
-Brazil Upriver dams: Further to our circular yesterday. The negotiations and appeals to Brazil continue so as to obtain the opening of the Brazilian dams Upstream from Iguazu in order to release a further flow of water into the River Parana. Itaupu, the largest, pictured below, shows the minimal water flow these days. Even when this happens the downflow of water will take a further fifteen days to be felt.
Nevertheless the main problem is the drought in all the River Parana basin and we must wait until the rain starts falling again. The meteorological forecast is not encouraging.
-San Nicolas: The port administration has this evening announced that the dredger DASA 1 (pictured) will begin dredging middle of the coming week. Operations are expected to last for seven days and upon completion the draft for the port will be just over 10 meters, under the present circumstances, and therefore in line with the rest of the Upriver ports. This will benefit New Port, Elevator and AEC berth used by the Electricity Generating Unit.
-Necochea: The port remains open since April 09th at 1615 hrs.
-Necochea and Bahia Blanca: The grain surveyors’ union are still keeping a “work to rule” and will only attend vessels in normal working hours. Monday to Friday 0700/1900 hrs. Saturday 0700/1300 hrs.
-India nationals: Indian nationals require a visa to enter Argentina in any circumstance other than seamen. Indian seamen as part of the vessel’s crew are allowed entry on a crew list provided they have a Seaman’s book. Indian nationals are not allowed to be listed as passengers. It sometimes happens that crew members´ wives accompany the vessel and are not considered crew as they do not have seamen’s books, Argentine Immigration impose heavy fines and have on occasion deported Indian Nationals in these cases. We ask Owners and managers to please pay very careful attention to this.
Will keep you posted.
Best regards,
Antares Servicios Maritimos S.A.
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