General description
Timbúes, San Martín and San Lorenzo, together with other smaller towns, constitute the northern area of Greater Rosario, in the province of Santa Fe. With about 60.000 inhabitants, this area has important industrial plants, especially agro-industrial, chemical, petrochemical and oil. The Nuevo Central Argentino and Belgrano railway lines provide good connections in every direction except east. The port area is connected by an excellent road network and the new bridge between Rosario and Victoria now connects it to the Mesopotamia region. The Rosario and Rosario-Santa Fe highways by-pass the urban areas and allow a swift approach without mixing with local traffic. The Rosario international airport is 32 km away.

Port general description:

Timbúes, Puerto San Martín and San Lorenzo, commonly referred to in shipping circles as San Lorenzo, with their modern terminals for exporting grain, agricultural by products and vegoil have become the leading export area of these goods, with about 60% of Argentina’s total annual movement. For all ports to/from San Lorenzo/San Martín/Timbúes, vessels proceed via the dredged channel presently maintained by Hidrovía S.A. as per contract at not less than 10,36 m (34 ft).

Stores/victuals:

Victuals unlimited. Stores normally coming from Buenos Aires. Vessels berthed at grain terminals usually supplied by launch, which ship chandler arranges.

Roads:

Km 441/445, admitting 8 vessels. Lightening zone kms 452/453,5 admitting 1 vessel and 2 barges or small ships alongside. Auxiliary roads kms 453,6/455 admitting 2 vessels.

River level:

The river fluctuates throughout the year due to the rise and fall of the Paraná and Paraguay rivers and their tributaries, usually being highest from about February to May and lowest from September to October.

Depth:

For datum depths of berths see berth descriptions. As per second stage of Hidrovía S.A.´s dredging contract a minimum depth of 10,30 m (34 ft) with regard to an agreed reference level is to be maintained in the Paraná river main channel.

Berth assignment:

Berthing at all private grain, chemical or oil terminals is in conjunction with terminal operators and contact should be established about 10 days before vessel´s arrival and thereafter closely maintained. Priority is given normally according to order of arrival subject to availability of cargo, readiness of export documentation and decision of respective Terminal Manager.

Local communications:

Prefectura Naval Radio (Coastguard) callsign L6K ch 14-16-09.

Pilots:

These may be chosen from a number of private companies located at Rosario and Buenos Aires that offer their services. Port pilots are stationed at Rosario, river pilots at Rosario or Buenos Aires.

Tugs:

Not required for berthing, unberthing at any of Timbúes, San Martín and San Lorenzo berths, except for ships exceeding LOA 185 m when maneuvering or unberthing from terminals in area between Km 447 and 449,5, plus the possible exception of Petrobras Energía San Lorenzo berths, regarding which Pilots / shipping agents should be consulted.

Business hours:

Port administration 0600/1300
Prefectura Naval 24hs
Customs 0930/1800
Stevedores 0600/1200, 1200/1800 M/F 0600/1200 Sat
Banks 0700/1300
Shops 0800/1200, 1500/1900

Medical Aid:

2 private clinics. Ambulance service from San Lorenzo to Buenos Aires/Rosario.

Hotels:

3 small hotels available at San Lorenzo, but accommodation can be sought at nearby city of Rosario.

Transport:

Timbúes, San Martín and San Lorenzo are 35, 30 and 25 km North of Rosario on motorway with road connections to all parts of the country via Rosario.

Bunkers:

By barge only unless otherwise stated; in any case permission of terminal operator required beforehand.

Slops / Sludge:

By barge, with terminal permission.

Fresh water:

Available at all Terminals unless otherwise stated.

Fumigation:

One local firm at San Martín offers their services.

Gangway watchmen:

Compulsory for all foreign flag vessels over 2000 GRT.

Repairs:

Only limited repairs by local and Rosario workshops. Larger repairs require assistance of workshops from Buenos Aires.

Shore gangway:

Available at all private terminals.