May 17th- Tugboat stoppage


May 17th 2022

Tugboat stoppage

National Holidays:

Tomorrow Wednesday May 18th CENSUS DAY and May 25th, May Revolution Day.


Tugboat stoppage: Tugboat crews stopped work today, nationwide at 08.00 hours. The stoppage will continue until 20.00 hours. No reason for the stoppage has been reported.

River Parana Draft Forecast as per INA Report:

DRAFT FORECAST (Calculated as per Current Shallowest Points May 16th 2022)

San Lorenzo’s shallowest point now located at EP. BORGHI/BELLA VISTA 447,2 depth of 9.2 M at Zero datum

Rosario’s shallowest point now located at Emp Alvear/Canal Muelles Ros 410.3 depth of 9.4M at Zero datum

San Nicolas’ shallowest point now located at Arriba Obligado Km 311,6 depth of 9.9M at Zero datum

There are no surges forecast for the coming months. River levels are expected to drop to 9.7/9.8 meters from Upriver ports. We are returning to a scenario where San Lorenzo, Rosario, and San Nicolás will have differing maximum sailing drafts.

Rosario open berths (TPR):

There are no surges forecast for the coming months. River levels are expected to drop to 9.7/9.8 meters from Upriver ports. We are returning to a scenario where San Lorenzo, Rosario, and San Nicolás will have differing maximum sailing drafts.

The areas used for open berth loading and discharging and for loading tankers from GUIDE Terminal are not affected.

GMO wheat exports:

Producers, transport, and exporters are placing very strict controls so that none of the genetically modified HB4 variety of wheat is shipped in exports from Argentina. The idea is that this could severely damage the commercial possibilities of the whole wheat industry. This policy is being led by CIARA-CEC, the grain and oil producing association.

Grains and Markets:

India has placed a ban on wheat exports. This has been done to bring down domestic prices. Asian importers are looking elsewhere for sourcing.

Russia is also expected to slow exports as the export quota allowed by the Government is reached. Prices for Russian wheat are still depressed.

Argentina’s 2023 wheat export volume is now forecast at 8 million tons. This is down from 9.5 million this year. The forecast is lower due to export taxes, climate and the shortage (worldwide) of fertlizers which is expected to reduce yields.

Pilotage tariffs increase recap 2022:

As from February 1st, River Plate Pilots announced an increase of about 5% on transportation expenses (ground and boat services).

As from May 1st, Parana River Pilots announced an increase of about 5% on transportation expenses (ground and boat services).

As from May 1st, Port Pilots have announced an increase of about 17% on transportation expenses (ground and boat services).

Additionally Port pilots have now “interpreted” the regulations in the same light as other pilots, and they will start charging for dropping and weighing anchors. These additional “maneuvers”, when they take place, will involve extra charges of (usd 14 x vessel’s FU ((LOA x BEAM x DEPTH)/800)), about USD 2,000.00 for Supramax vessels and USD 2,500.00 for Panamax vessels. While port pilots will start applying it this year, River Plate and Parana River Pilots have been charging additional maneuvers for several years already.

Bahia Blanca stevedores:

Stevedores are stopping work for one to two hours during each six-hour shift in protest claiming a Covid-19 bonus. This action has now been ongoing for a few weeks.
ARGENTINA – Crew changes:

Regulations for Crew Changes are being relaxed in almost all major Ports (except Necochea),

ANTARES: We attach to this News a but for Nationals(*) needing VISA

the process is still quite long.

Process for Crew Change:

1.Prior boarding authorization must be obtained from the Sanitary Authority and afterwards from Immigration.
2.Joining and departing crew must have full vaccination scheme completed (two doses) 48 hours prior joining or departing vessel.
3.A sworn statement must be signed.
4.Joining and departing crew that do NOT have the full vaccination scheme must have an antigen test performed not more than 48 hours prior or a PCR test not more than 72 hours prior joining or departing the vessel.
5.Joiner/s must enter Argentina via a “designated safe corridor” (Buenos Aires International Airport).
6.Requests for visas to be issued at Consulates must be presented to Immigration offices, via Agents on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
7.Immigration will issue the requested visas three days after they were requested and deliver on Tuesday and Thursdays for forwarding to Consulates.
Estimated Time for On Signers without needing VISA: 5/7 (five/seven) days
Estimated Time for On Signers needing VISA: 10 (ten) days
Estimated Time for Off Signers: 5 (five) days

PLEASE CONTACT US PRIOR COMMENCING PROCEDURES.

(*) Passport Required VISA Full List

Will keep you posted.

Best regards,

Antares Servicios Maritimos S.A.

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