Upriver Berth
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.
Discharge of Scrubbers in Argentina: A further regulation was issued today August 25th that clarifies the areas that are covered by the prohibition to discharge 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)
The map below broadly shows the limits of the areas covered by the regulation which are colored light blue.
(Argentine Territorial and Exclusive Economic Area as published by the Foreign Affairs Ministry)
Special care will have to be taken by vessels transiting the area, especially between Recalada and the Pacific Ocean.
Timbues Railway access: The final, and successful, test has been conducted with a train entering the Terminals at Timbues using the new connection to the NE Railway network. As from this moment the terminals will be available to be supplied by railway greatly enhancing the inland logistical alternatives.
Imagen
International Flights: A few more international flights have been allowed to access Argentina by the Government as from September. Overall the borders remains closed but the National Government is looking at alternatives to open up access to the country. Regretfully there is still no news regarding opening up of internal transport.
Drought: The drought conditions over all NE Argentina continue. Fires a raging in many areas of the country and affecting both bush land and agricultural areas. Below a picture taken in the city of Cordoba (North Central Argentina) which shows fires in the hills West of the City.
Necochea, berth 9/10: Berth 9/10 is on the southern side (Necochea). It is an open berth used mainly for discharging fertilizers (DAP, MAP, etc). After soundings were performed the maximum drafts are as per the following table:
LOA – DRAFT
180 meters – 12.20 meters (40 feet) BW
190 meters – 11.90 meters (39 feet) BW
200 meters – 11.60 meters (38 feet) BW
210 meters – 11.30 meters (37 feet) BW
In order to berth on arrival conditions as per the above table pilots recommend to do so at mid rising tide and to commence discharge immediately so as not to run the risk of the vessel being pulled away from the berth at low tide.
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.
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 25th it is: 9.10 meters (29 feet 10 inches FW)
Recalada: Recalada closes often due to swell, fog and high winds.
Necochea: The port opened on August 21st at 0720 hours. It had been closed since August 18th at 1810 hours due to swell and high winds.
Bahia Blanca: Pilotage service is suspended for short periods 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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