Circular 43/2021 - Parana River Low Waters (Update)

In previous Circulars we have informed about the critical situation observed on the Parana River due to historically low water (see Circulars 23, 26, 28, 32 and 42 for further information).

By way of update, please note, that in general terms, the season of critical low waters in the Parana River and River Plate basin continues: the lowest levels observed over the last 50 years.

The National Water Institute (INA for its initial in Spanish) has advised that the recent rain registered was very limited and with very short effect on the rise of the levels of the water in the Parana River. The flow of water of about 7,900 m3/s is well below the historical average recorded for June in the last 25 years. Considering today’s information and the most probable tendency, the INA forecasted that the level of the water in the following months will be very similar to those observed in most of 2020, or even lower.  

Just as an example, the in the Circular 43/21 illustrates the level of water registered in the port of Rosario, indicating that one year ago (already in the critically low water season) the level of the water was +1.28m (above local zero) whereas today is +1.1m. The lowest levels were seen between August/September 2020 (+0.3m), November/December 2020 (+0.13m) and January/February 2021 (+0.33m). This is well below to the +4.29m observed in June 2019 as illustrated in our Circular 26/20.

As a further illustration of the situation, today’s maximum sailing draft from Rosario is 9.9m compared to the 11.53m on 7th June 2019 (prior to the period of extraordinary low waters).

According to some estimations received, the critical low waters in the Parana River represented a loss of US$ 244M in exports in 2020, and a similar tendency continues in 2021. 

The Coast Guards have issued periodical warnings stressing the utmost importance of complying with the daily maximum permissible sailing draft and with the mandatory UKC of 0.6 meters that should be always kept. The Coast Guards also recommends to the Masters to discuss the navigational plan with the Pilots before proceeding, as well as providing all necessary information related to ship’s manoeuvrability.

We furthermore recommend to the Master to enquiry the Pilots as to the relevant regulation within the area to be transited, including specific speed limits and to bear in mind, at all times, ship’s squat effect, to minimise risks of groundings, wash damages and fines.

In respect of the speed, we would suggest to watch the applicable limitations closely as this must be complied with to avoid Administrative Enquiries and sanctions by the Coast Guards who are monitoring the speed actively through VTS (Please refer to our Circular 36/2020).

We shall continue monitoring the situation, keeping you posted. In the meantime, we remain at your disposal if clarification and/or additional information is needed.

Download: CIRCULAR 43/2021

PANDI LIQUIDORES SRL

BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA

This Circular updates Circulars 23/2020, 26/2020, 28, 32 and  42 (enclosed).

For further information visit www.pandi.com.ar

Notice: the content of this circular is for information only. Even though it has been issued carefully, and to the best of our knowledge, it has a general purpose and we can accept no liability whatsoever for any particular action taken upon it. © Pandi Liquidadores SRL. All rights reserved.