March 08th 2022
Crew changes in Argentina
National Holidays: Thursday, March 24th, Memorial Day.
River Parana Draft:
We attach the updated River Paraná long term forecast. This is based on data supplied by INA (National Water Institute). We are about to receive a small surge which will produce a temporary improvement in River Parana water levels during the coming two weeks. After that the water will return to present levels. As autumn commences there is expected to be a gradual increase. Rain over the catchment areas remains very short. Please find below the weather map with rainfall (not much!) over the last week.
Vaca Muerta Gas pipeline:
The Government has issued a tender for the construction of the first stage of a gas pipeline out of the Vaca Muerta gas and oil field. This first stage is for the 656 km of piping. This will most likely be imported material to be brought in on sea vessels.
Grain and Markets from Argentina:
Algeria is reported to be in the market for wheat to be delivered during the month of May. Possible origin could be EC SAmerica.
Morocco will also be a regular buyer of wheat due to a shortfall in local production caused by a severe drought.
Despite turmoil in the markets brought on by hostilities in the Black Sea area Brazil still foresees regular supplies of wheat from Argentina during the coming year. During 2021 the country imported 6.8 million tons of wheat. Of this, 87 per cent was sourced from Argentina.
With the lifting of the flag restrictions on freight beginning February 2022 barley and malt exports from Argentina are expected to be more competitive.
Bahia Blanca labor conflicts:
The stevedore union in Bahia Blanca continues protests by stopping work for one hour each shift. The stevedores are wanting a wage increase and a bonus to be paid for work during Covid-19 pandemic.
Tugboat crews in Bahia Blanca are working on a similar pattern to Necochea. That is a 12-hour shift commencing with the first service of the day.
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.
Bunkers in Argentina:
The bunker supply situation is tight. The PAE refining plant at Campana is closed for scheduled maintenance and will not renew its usual production flow until end-March. Heavy fuels (VLSFO) are in very low supply. This refinery supplies approximately 20 to 25 per cent of the market demand.
Crew changes in Argentina:
Crew will only be allowed to disembark when a serious medical issue occurs.
In such a case a medical board will evaluate the situation and decide.
PLEASE CONSULT US PRIOR COMMENCING PROCEDURES.
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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