Vicentin & Upriver
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: Monday August 17th, San Martin day.
Vicentin: The CEO of Vicentin, Sergio Nardelli, 59 years old, died of a heart attack on Wednesday night at his home in Reconquista, Santa Fe. He is reported to be one of the largest share holders in the family owned company but not holding an overall majority. It is yet early days to consider how this will affect the development of the Chapter 11 process.
Svitzer Argentina: It was announced today that Svitzer has now taken complete control of Madero Amarres S.A., the company under whose name they operated in Argentina. There was a minority stake of about 20 per cent held by another partner and this has been bought out by Svitzer. Svitzer operate in Buenos Aires, Necochea and Bahia Blanca. They also offer service at Upriver ports.
Scrubbers in Argentina: A regulation was issued by the Argentine CoastGuard (PNA) that forbids the discharge of washing waters from scrubbers of National and Foreign vessels in Argentine waters detailed as:
*Internal Jurisdictional Waters (including River Parana, River Uruguay and River Plate)
*Territorial Waters (12 mile limit)
*Extended Territorial waters (24 mile limit)
*Argentine Exclusive Economic Zone (200 mile limit)
In order that the limits be properly explained we attach below a map, issued by the Government which explains the contour of the area covered by the regulation which colored light blue.
Special care will have to be taken by vessels transiting the area, especially those on the open sea when proceeding southbound from Recalada to the Pacific and vice versa.
Sunflower seed: The sunflower seed sowing has started. According to information from the Buenos Aires Grain Exchange the estimated area to be sown is going to be reduced by due to drought.
Export licenses: Licenses to export were granted today for 757,700 metric tons of maize, 264.000 metric tons of soyameal, 40,000 metric tons of soyabeans, 22,000 metric tons of soyoil and 10,000 metric tons of flint maize.
Crew changes Argentina: Crew changes are not possible in Argentina TODAY. Despite earlier optimism the outlook now is for a further postponement of the resumption of flights within Argentina and to/from abroad. Originally this had been foreseen for early September but now this has been postponed to early November 2020, at the earliest.
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.
San Lorenzo: Cargill Quebracho berth will be closed for maintenance between August 20th and August 23rd.
Arroyo Seco-Lagos/Dreyfus berths: The CoastGuard have issued a regulation, valid as from August 06th, that the maximum sailing draft for both Dreyfus berths, Dry and Liquid, is to be calculated according to the following formula: 9.20 meters Depth Plus Average River level of Rosario and Villa Constitución Minus 0.60 meters under keel clearance.
For today, August 13th it is: 9.0 meters (29 feet 06 inches FW)
Recalada: Recalada closes often due to swell, fog and high winds.
Necochea: The port has opened again today, August 13th at 0830 hours with improved weather conditions. It had closed on August 10th at 1030 hours local time due to high swell and strong winds.
Bahia Blanca: Pilotage service has been suspended during intervals over the last few days 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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