Grain & Oil Markets
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 Holidays: Next National Holiday, Monday, October 12th.
Grain/Oil Markets: South Korea has purchased 1 or 2 shipments of Argentine maize for shipment November dates. Brazil has also purchased Argentine Soyoil during this near period. So far 70,000 tons. At the moment there is one vessel loading a parcel of 15,000 tons. We wish to remind any Owner interested in participating in this Argentina/Brazil trade that a flag waiver is required for shipping between both countries.
River Parana draft: According to the table below the River Paraná water level is expected to improve gradually towards the end of the year. At the moment of the lowest water volume the level at Rosario was measured at 0.60 meters. A longer term outlook indicates that, even without great rain falls in southern Brazil we will be back at a steady level on or about 10.00 meters within six weeks onwards.
Open loop scrubbers: The San Lorenzo Coast Guard have instructed that all vessels equipped with open loop scrubbers arriving in their jurisdiction be reported to them prior arrival.
Crew changes Argentina: The borders remain closed and crew changes are not permitted. Despite earlier optimism plans to restart internal flights as from October 01st have been postponed until further notice. On this basis it is difficult to be optimistic regarding the opening of the border restrictions and regular international flights within the coming weeks.
Crew changes Uruguay: On and Off signing crew are allowed entry into the country under very strict restrictions. On signers must have a prior negative Covid 19 test 72 hours prior being allowed entry. Crew members boarding are not allowed to stop at any stage between landing at the airport (Montevideo) and boarding the vessel. Once onboard the vessel they must comply with a 14 day quarantine onboard before being allowed to work. Departing crew must proceed directly from the vessel to the airport. Considering that there are at the moment few international flights these requirements make it very difficult for crew members to enter or leave the country. Additionally to this before a boarding crew member is allowed permit of entry the agreement of Sanitary Authority, Immigration and CoastGuard must be obtained.
The best way of achieving a successful crew change at Uruguay is to have the vessel do this OUTBOUND at Recalada/Montevideo anchorage when the vessel’s schedule is not bound so much by weather and port congestions.
Necochea: The port has opened again today, September 22nd at 1155 hours. It had been closed since Saturday September 19th at 0530 hours.
Necochea: All vessels arriving must comply with a 14 day quarantine. The 14 days are counted from the date of departure from the last foreign port of call, regardless of having Free Practique issued at a previous port of call in Argentina within the 14 day period.
Bahia Blanca: The 14 day quarantine for incoming vessels will be waived for vessels whose last port of call is Brazil. Nevertheless the previous regulation for other last ports of call will remain in place. This quarantine can be excepted if the terminal where the vessel will load produces proof that an earlier berthing is required.
Will keep you posted.
Best regards,
Antares Servicios Maritimos S.A.
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