March 29th 2022
Grains and Markets
National Holidays: Saturday, April 02nd. Easter week-end, Thursday April 14th, Friday April 15th. Easter Saturday April 16th is normal working Saturday morning shift.
River Parana Draft:
INA (National Water Institute) have adjusted the forecast for the river Parana water level (please see attached). A surge of water is coming downriver at the moment and will peak during the first and second week of April. After that water levels are forecast to recede to levels allowing a max sailing draft of 9.1/9.3 meters basis San Lorenzo. The forecast into early June shows a steady water level. Rain in the catchment area is still short and below average. It must also be considered that we are now moving into the Southern Hemisphere autumn and that the weather conditions will affect the water level on the River more strongly.
Grains and Markets:
Markets now take for granted that wheat, maize and sunflower seed grains and by-products will be traded in different manners than prior hostilities in the Black Sea area.
Argentina is forecast to have 5.9 million tons of sun oil for export during the 2021/2022 season (staring October 2021, ending September 2022).
Paraguay’s soyabean harvest has been very badly affected by drought. The shortfall, in comparison to the previous harvest is of 68 per cent. This year’s total harvest is forecast to be 2.97 million tons. Crushers in Argentina purchase most this harvest for processing.
Closure of Soyabean meal and Soyabean oil exports:
The Government have now re-opened the register for soyabean meal and soya oil export permits. This was done after a 2 per cent increase of the export tax levied on these commodities.
Bunkers in Argentina:
The bunker supplies at Zona Comun remain restricted. The PAE refining plant at Campana is extending it’s closure for a further week for scheduled maintenance and will not renew its usual production flow until mid-April. Heavy fuels (VLSFO) remain in very low supply. This refinery supplies approximately 20 to 25 per cent of the market demand. Crude remain 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:
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.
Regulations for boarding crew are being slowly relaxed.
Joiner/s must enter Argentina via a “designated safe corridor” (Buenos Aires International Airport).
River ports are now authorizing joiners (San Lorenzo, Rosario, Necochea or Bahia Blanca).
Seaports (Necochea and Bahia Blanca) not yet.
Pre-arrival testing and quarantine restrictions will apply. At this moment five (5) days quarantine in a certified hotel at the boarding port are required.
Soonest further news arises we will inform.
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,
For more information