Argentina requests new regulations over vessel collisions with docks

Argentina’s Chamber of Private Commercial Ports (CPPC) requested the country to update its regulations to account for possible collisions of ships with docks, claiming that the present legislation leaves these facilities “unprotected.”

It is worth mentioning that a situation like those mentioned above happened on February 5, 2022, when the Ardmore Seavanguard tanker collided with the dock located in the Port of the Association of Argentine Cooperatives (ACA), causing damage to the terminal.

According to El Cronista, the problem is that the Argentine shipowner compensation legislation has been outdated. It continues to use the vessel’s value as a parameter disregarding that, currently, docks are worth more than twice what a ship costs.

Under the London Convention of 1976 (updated in 2010), the limits of liability and, consequently, damage compensation values have increased considerably. However, Argentina has not abided by the terms of this agreement.

“Our docks are unprotected. In Argentina, the value of a ship, which can be as low as USD 17 million, is used as a yardstick to determine compensation in this type of accident.   We are clearly underinsured, given that our docks are worth USD 40 million and Panamax/Post Panamax vessels have an average international liability limitation of USD 42 million,” said Luis Zubizarreta, president of the Chamber of Private Commercial Ports (CPPC).

The executive stressed that numerous efforts have been made to promote the London treaty and its definitive incorporation into Argentine legislation. Though not at the pace that terminals owners want, a bill is being promoted.

In the opinion of the CPPC, one way to reverse this compensation problem is for Argentina to ratify the London Convention so that the differences noted are equalized. This ratification must be promoted by the Executive Power and endorsed by the National Congress.

Source: Portal Portuario

To read the full original article please see:

https://portalportuario.cl/argentina-solicitan-renovar-normas-ante-eventuales-colisiones-de-buques-con-muelles/

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