River Parana Draft
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.
COVID-19 and pilots: Further to our circular of Friday evening. The Sanitary Authority have ratified the new instructions for updated reporting procedures as required by the Ministry of Transport. All vessels arriving at Recalada have to send with 72 hours pre-advise a list of reports describing the origin of the vessel, crew changes, last port of call, etc. This in order to follow the possible risks. Vessels arriving will have this information screened and after visits by the CoastGuard medics will be allowed, if satisfactory to proceed to the designated port. Once there Sanitary Authority will board and after detailed inspection will grant Free Practique. Otherwise, vessels arriving from foreign ports to Necochea and Bahia Blanca will be expected to comply with a 14 days quarantine period. This 14 day period starts counting as from the day of departure from the last foreign port.
National Holiday: Monday, May 25th, May Revolution and Monday, June 15th, Güemes Day.
Covid-19 National Quarantine: The National Quarantine has been extended, as expected, until June 07th.
At the main ports the sanitary measures remain unchanged and working well coordinated. The Ships Agency activities being related to foreign trade is one of the excepted from quarantine.
River Parana draft(I): Over the weekend the River Parana has had a temporary recovery. This is due to a strong SE storm out at sea which filled the River Plate and caused a back-up effect up to San Lorenzo/Timbues. Luck for the vessels that completed loading over Saturday, Sunday and maybe Monday. After this, regretfully, matters will return to under 30 feet. The longer term weather forecast indicate that the drought in the River Parana catchment areas will continue into the Southern Hemisphere spring (September/October).
Parana River draft(II): The mv MSXT ARTEMIS which, as already reported, had been grounded in front of Unidad VI Rosario freed on Friday 22nd evening and is now on her way to Recalada.
Necochea: The port opened May 23rd at 0750 hours thanks to improved weather conditions.
Will keep you posted.
Best regards,
Antares Servicios Maritimos S.A.
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