November 14th 2021
Vicentin
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 Holiday: Monday, November 22nd, 2021
Vicentin: There is a plan put forward to the judge and the tribunal that is administrating Vicentin. According to this “non binding” proposal put to the judge by a tripartite group of companies consisting of Viterra (formerly Glencore), Molinos and ACA (the largest coop organization in Argentina) is to take over the management of the Vicentin assets. This does not imply the purchase or assuming debts incurred by Vicentin prior to bankruptcy. It proposes, to the judge’s and tribunal’s satisfaction that the assets (crushing plant and ports) belonging to Vicentin be managed by these companies so as to bring them back to work, on a longer term basis. The longer term, financial situation involving Vicentin share holders, is now proceeding along a different legal path.
River Parana draft: At the present moment the River Parana at Upriver ports is enjoying the tail end of a surge of water that has come down from Brazil. As from now the draft will be returning to values in the order of 8.50 meters with occasional short term improvements. All this in accordance with the forecast issued by INA (National Water Institute). Rainfall over the Parana River catchment area is forecast for the coming days, but as said before these are still early days to allow for a more accurate report.
Crew changes in Argentina/Plate: The Argentine Government, both the Immigration Department and the Sanitary Border Control Authority have specified that crew changes are now permitted under the following terms: Boarding crew members must have the following Covid-19 related tests performed in order to enter the country and board vessels:
*Full vaccination performed at lest 14 days prior entry to Argentina
*Negative PCR test performed 72 hours prior first boarding
*Antigen test performed upon arrival at “safe entry corridor” point (for example Buenos Aires Airport Ezeiza)
If, in case the boarding crew member does not have full vaccination (minimum 2 doses) before boarding then the person must be kept in quarantine for 7 days and may only leave this quarantine once a negative PCR test is performed.
Departing crew members will have to conform to the same requirements as boarding crew.
i.e. Full vaccination or else the 7 days quarantine plus the negative PCR test prior authorization to leave.
What remains for the moment is for the Sanitary Authorities at each port to designate the “safe corridors” for crew members to access and depart from vessels.
As these areas are designated we will advise.
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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