Argentina: Ships must reduce their cargo capacity by 30% to navigate the Paraná River

Due to the low level of the Paraná River, ships sailing to the grain ports of Rosario, Argentina’s largest agricultural port hub, are carrying 30% less cargo than usual, according to the Chamber of Port and Maritime Activities (CAPyM) of Argentina.

Due to the extremely dry weather in parts of southern Brazil, where the river originates, the Paraná River, is at its lowest level in nearly 80 years. The river basin transports around 80% of agricultural and agro-industrial cargoes produced in the region.

According to Reuters, based on data from the Argentine Naval Prefecture based in Rosario, the Paraná River is currently at a reference height of -0.43 meters. According to Guillermo Wade, manager of CAPyM, this height (which does not represent the actual depth of the river) is the lowest level since the beginning of the current river channel in late 2019.

“The ships are leaving with 30% less cargo, which, in a Handymax, represents about 13 thousand tons and in a Panamax, 16 thousand tons,” said Wade.

According to the National Water Institute (INA) of Argentina, the average height of the river in Rosario in January between 1996 and 2020 was 3.55 meters. The lowest level previously recorded had been -1.39 meters, in 1944.

In its latest monthly report on the hydrological emergency of Paraná, the INA stated that “the outlook for March 31, 2022, does not allow us to expect a rapid return to normality, with a probability of extending it next autumn”.

The institute cautioned that “the downturn is expected to intensify at least during the first fortnight of the month” in the Rosário region.

Despite this, January is a slower month for the Argentine port business, since maize and soybeans, the country’s two main crops, have yet to be harvested, leaving wheat as the principal commodity moved.

Source: Portal Portuário

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