Unions 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 Quarantine: The Government has extended the National Quarantine until April 13th. This means that severe restrictions of movement are in place nationwide. Only local rail and bus transport is allowed. Everyone, is expected to remain at home in as much as possible and the police, gendarmerie and coast guard enforce this very strictly.
Declared “Affected” countries as per Government: European Union, UK, USA, Japan, China, Iran, South Korea, Brazil and Chile.
-Upriver: All vessels entering Argentina via Recalada that have less than 14 days sailing time from last port of call are inspected by Sanitary officials before being allowed to board pilots. Prior arrival, documentation must be forwarded to the Sanitary Authority describing, amongst many items, a daily log of the crew member’s temperature since the last port of call, a crew list detailing where and when all crew boarded, vessel’s medical log book and medication register.
-Upriver: Further to our message sent earlier today.
Various port unions, linemen, launches, stevedores, refused to attend vessels arriving before 14 days passed from any of the listed countries. This imposed a stricter “de fecto” quarantine than was being required by the Government. In view of this CoastGuard Traffic Control warned agencies that they would not allow vessels to proceed from Recalada Upriver, regardless of the Sanitary controls performed because the Union pressure would cause the port’s roads to become congested with quarantined vessels and cause a chaotic situation. By mid afternoon the National Government, interpreting this to be a Union action declared a compulsory “truce” for 15 days where the parties must return to normal activities and endeavor to solve the conflictive situation. Unions have accepted this (on other occasions they have disregarded) and are returning to normal tasks. The mv IKUCHI ISLAND which was going to have to wait until April 05th Upriver has already berthed at AGD Timbues.
–Upriver: The mv AG VALOR remains grounded at the time of writing at Km 401 of the River Parana (slightly south of Rosario Roads). Since evening hours she is being assisted by two tugs, RANQUEL and BRUTUS, to refloat.
-Necochea: The Necochea Sanitary authority, pressured by the local population is enforcing the 14 days quarantine.
Grain surveyors’ union will only work straight time limiting loading operations to 0700/1900 period for grain vessels.
-Bahia Blanca: The port administration will not allow vessels to enter port if the 14 days quarantine is not complied with. This port however will contemplate exceptions.
Grain surveyors’ union will only work straight time limiting loading operations to 0700/1900 period for grain vessels.
Will keep you posted.
Best regards,
Antares Servicios Maritimos S.A.
For more information