Buenos Aires

Size limits

LOA 340m, draught 9.8m, beam 51m, 142,411DWT.

Water density

1000.

Load line zone

Summer.

Tides

Mean Maximum Range 0.6m. Mean minimum range approx 0.4m.

Semi diurnal tides are experienced and the height of the tide can be notably influenced by the force, direction and persistency of the wind, so much so that in the case of SE'ly gales (Sudestada) tides considerably higher than those predicted are not unusual. Also, tides of several feet below the predicted values can be experienced when a steady N'ly wind sets in. Additionally, somewhat lower tides can be experienced immediately following a prolonged blow from the S and somewhat higher tides following a prolonged blow from the N. It should be noted that whilst times of HW are, as a rule, not unduly affected by the wind, the effect of winds from ENE, backing through N to SW, usually retard the times of LW, whereas winds from the N, veering through E and S to SW usually advance the same.

Critical HW level at the port of Buenos Aires has been set at +2.7m, mean amplitude of the tide at 0.55m and mean level at 0.79m, HWS 1.24m, LWS 0.33m, HWN 0.89m, LWN 0.70m.

APM Terminals - Buenos Aires - Terminal 4: Spring 1.05m, Neap 0.60m.

Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.

Approach

The main access canal to the port has a depth of 9.75m at local zero, width 60m, under approval to be increased to 100m wide, with a 1:8 slope.

Direct entrance is by the Access Canal running from the outer roads to within 10km of the port, where the channel divides into two channels.

The North Channel, serving the New Port and North Basin, has a depth of 10.3m, width 100m (from Km 0.9 to Km 7.3)

.

The Access Canal has the same dimensions (from Km 7.3 to Km 12.0), and the South Channel, with a depth of 9.75m, serving the rest of the port to South Outer Port (dredging in progress to increase depth to 10.0m and 120m width), less depth available into Puerto Dock Sud.

The tidal range of the Port of Buenos Aires is 0.6m, with a maximum of approx 1.05m.

The Mitre Channel enters the access channel at Buoy No 12, by the inner roads and marks the limit of harbour pilot duties.

APM Terminals - Buenos Aires - Terminal 4: Approach channel is 9.3m deep and 250m long next to the turning dock, which is 500m.

Port limits

From the seaward end of the W sea wall at the entrance to La Plata a line leads E to embrace the cargo transhipment area E of La Plata fairway then S of a line joining Km 57 to Km 37 in the fairway to Puerto de Buenos Aires continuing along the N limit of this fairway to Km 09 beacon at the SE end of Escollera Norte of Puerto Neuvo. Following the line of the breakwater to Km 4 of the former Canal Castanero it then passes along the navigation route to Basin "F" (34° 34.422'S 58° 23.274'W), and includes the area S of the right bank of Rio de la Plata as far as the mouth of Riachuelo.

Puerto Dock Sud: Entrance is approx 75m wide. Width is 90m, except in way of turning basin where approx width is 200m for 387m in length. Max. beam 32m and sailing at night not permitted for vessels over beam 28m.

Dock Sud Section 2: Entrance width 90m, length 990m.

Traffic schemes and VTS

SECOSENA and CONTRASE: The Communication Service for the Safety of Navigation (SECOSENA) is in effect for the Argentine waters of the Rio de la Plata and approaches, bounded on the E by 56°W and on the S by 36°30'S, and is mandatory for foreign vessels LOA24m or more.

When entering the area, all ships must report the name of their vessel, flag, call sign, length, breadth, draft, speed, port of departure, destination, navigational plan, and ETAs at points specified by the Traffic Control and Safety System (CONTRASE) system. When leaving the area, vessel must report their name, flag,and call sign.

The CONTRASE system is compulsory for foreign vessels over LOA 24m.

Reporting Points:

If anchoring outside the points vessels should report including: Name, flag and callsign, location and time.

Vessels should report including ETA at:

Canal Punta Indio/Canal Intermedio: VHF Ch 12.

35°05.5'S 055°59.5'W (near Practicos Recalada Light Float).

35°10.3'S 056°17.3'W (near paired Lightbuoys No 1).

35°10.1'S 056°31.6'W (near paired Lightbuoys No 5).

Paired Lightbuoys No 23.

Paired Lightbuoys No 30.

Lightbuoy Km 57.

Canal de Acceso al Puerto de Buenos Aires: VHF Ch 09.

Lightbuoy Km 37.

Lightbuoy Km 11.

Canal Emilio Mitre: VHF Ch 72.

Lightbuoy Km 12.

Lightbuoy Km 18.5.

Lightbuoy Km 40.5.

Lightbuoy Km 56.1.

Canal Costanero: VHF Ch 72.

Approaches to Rio Parana Guazu and Rio Uruguay: VHF Ch 14 or 81.

Lightbuoy Km 38.

N end of Barra de San Pedro.

Punta Martin Chico.

Lightbuoy Km 118.2.

Lightbuoy Km 134.2.

Entrance to Puerto de la Plata: Report to La Plata Prefectura Naval CRS on VHF Ch 09. Vessel should report upon entering Rada La Plata Boarding Area on VHF Ch 70 including time of arrival. On departure vessels should report including ETS at the following positions:

Lightbuoy Km 37 (if bound for Canal de Acceso al Puerto de Buenos Aires).

Lightbuoy Km 38 (if bound for Barra del Farallon).

Lightbuoy Km 57 (If bound for Paso Banco Chico).

Entrance to Puerto de la Plata: Vessel should report upon entering port including name, callsign, ETA and place of berthing.

Before shifting anchorage or berth or moving with in port a vessel should obtain permission.

Anchorages

Rada Exterior del Puerto de Buenos Aries lies between the lightbuoys Km25 and Km37 (34°40'S 57°58'W) 6.5nm and clear of the dredged channel where there are depths of 6.0-8.0m. The holding ground, consisting of soft mud, is not good and vessels may drag their anchors in strong winds. Winds from the S produce much swell. When good weather is expected a vessel with good ground tackle may anchor with safety in a depth of 0.6m greater than her draught.

Restrictions

When large passenger liners, LASH vessels or large bulk carriers are entering or leaving, it may be necessary to close access to all other traffic for a period of four hours because of the narrowness of the dredged channel. This restriction will be kept to a minimum and 48 hours notice of arrival must be given to the Prefecture, who will consider the overall situation.

Speed: Between Km16 buoy (34°37'S 58°12'W) and the port entrances, the speed limit is 8kt. Within the port it is 3kt.

Entry, departure or shifting draughts: On a rising tide these must not exceed the minimum depth to be encountered on passage. On a falling tide, a safety margin of 0.51m below the keel must be maintained at all times.

Tugs

Compulsory. Towage to reach the port of Buenos Aires is taken from approx Km 6.0 of the access canal.

Five private companies operate at Buenos Aires with the following tugs available: 11 tugs from 2,400-4,100hp and 9 tugs from 1,200-1,800hp.

Tugs are compulsory in both the N and S canal under the following conditions:

Vessels over 6.7m draught, 1 tug ahead between Buoy Km 8 and the port entrance plus 1 tug astern between Buoy Km 4 and the entrance.

Vessels drawing less than 6.7m, 1 tug ahead between Buoy Km 5 and the entrance plus 1 tug astern between Buoy Km1 and the entrance.

Mooring

Berth assignment: Requests must be made to the AGP berthing master's office prior to the vessel's arrival.

Shore linesmen: Available at all times.

Launches: Available to assist at mooring operations, inspections, draught surveys, etc.

Fenders: As per PNA regulations, 2 large fenders are required to be used when alongside. Notwithstanding this, it has become common practice for vessels to use fenders of somewhat lesser diameter made up of used rubber tyres strung onto a central wooden core. Vessels using small cane fenders or similar are liable to be fined. In the case of the New Port terminals, including Exolgan Container Terminal, all have suitable fenders on the quay.

Rat guards: All mooring lines are required to be fitted with rat guards of 80cm diameter. Non compliance incurs fines.

APM Terminals - Buenos Aires - Terminal 4: Turning Basin 395m. Approach Depth 9.3m. Approach Channel 250m.

Puerto Dock Sud: All vessels required to berth, bows out to entrance and operators should be consulted regarding pumping capacities and maximum draughts.

Charts and publications

BA 1751, 1749, 3561. Admiralty Pilot NP5, NP286(7).

Argentinian Chart 116, 118, 155, 156.

US 24053, 24052 (and 24050). US Sailing Directions No 124 (East Coast of South America).

Communications

Inmarsat may also be used for passing messages. Radio Pacheco can be used and works throughout 24 hours.

CONTRASE: This Traffic Control System is in effect for the Buenos Aires area. It is mandatory for foreign vessels LOA24m or more. Details of Reporting Points can be found in the Navigation (Traffic Schemes) section.

SHIP/SHORE RADIO SERVICES:

Argentina Radio in Buenos Aires provides radiotelephony (HF and VHF) and telegrams by radiotelephony (HF). They also cover safety of life at sea and listening in for the Navy messages, covering the SAR service for them as well as, under request, giving Notices to Mariners, weather forecasts and radiomedical communications.

All these Stations are controlled from Argentina Radio in Buenos Aires.

Argentina Radio: Email: [email protected].

Notice of readiness

NOR should be tendered in accordance with Charter Party terms. This is alongside if berth is free on arrival or on anchoring in the port roads if berth is occupied or if charterer, for any reason, does not accept vessel alongside. At times of upriver congestion, with berths and roads fully occupied, Prefectura Naval Argentina (Coastguard) will require vessels to wait at Zona Comun (Buenos Aires/La Plata roads pilotage embarkation, disembarkation point at Km 37, off Buenos Aires) or even, in cases of severe congestion, at Recalada at the mouth of the River Plate. In these latter cases, appointed agents will inform Master of situation and Prefectura (CONTRASE), via VHF to pilot, will advise if a vessel is not permitted to proceed. In these cases, when the vessel is being prevented from getting any closer to its berth, NOR should be presented on arrival/anchoring at Zona Comun or Recalada.

Again, in the case of vessels obliged to wait at Zona Comun or Recalada, the steaming time from these anchorages to the port roads and/or berth, is usually discounted. A provision to this effect should, preferably, be added to the Charter Party.

If loading at more than one port, NOR should be presented at first loading port only, unless otherwise stated in the relevant Charter Party or contract; notwithstanding that the Master is obliged to keep agents/charterers well informed of progress and position whilst shifting between ports.

Documents

An additional copy of all the above, except Crew Shore Passes and Passenger Landing Cards, should be made for the Master to keep on file in case they are required.

Note: CU = Customs, IM = Immigration, CG = Prefectura (Coastguard), PH = Sanidad (Port Health), AG = Agent, FP = Federal Police.

Prefectura (Coastguard) Declaration, Immigration Declaration and Customs Declarations are all presented to the Master, on special forms, for his signature by the attending agent and officials.

Cargo Manifests or In Ballast Declaration: Cargo Manifests or a Ballast Manifest have to be presented on arrival but these are normally dealt with, on behalf of the Master, by the agent. In the case of Buenos Aires, a computerised Manifest for all ports of call is transmitted directly from the agent's office to the Customs House, the "Maria" system being used.

In all other cases, an indexed manifest, in the prescribed form, is presented to the Customs Officer attending the vessel on arrival. Notwithstanding the above, at outside ports the Master is also required to present up to 4 Manifests on arrival. This usually refers to vessels carrying bulk cargoes such as fertilisers.

Health

Pratique should be applied for at least 3 working days prior to arrival. The pratique message can be passed to the ship's agent by telex of fax for onward transmission to the Port Health Authorities.

Free pratique is only granted after a Sanidad (Port Health) Officer attends on arrival. This visit does not normally prevent the commencement of cargo operations. See Country Section for additional information.

Ship Sanitation Control Certificates and Exemption Certificates: To obtain a new Ship Sanitation Control Certificate with fumigation, a minimum of 30 hours is required.

If Ship Sanitation Control Certificate expires on route, or is due to expire within a few days, exemptions for 6 months can be obtained if applied for between 0700-1300hrs, Mon-Fri. Outside these times, Port Health will grant an extension for 30 days.

Customs and immigration

Customs allowances: The daily allowance is 40 cigarettes and 0.25 bottle of spirits. For non compliance a fine of from 1-5 times the value of the goods plus duties on any extra cigarettes/spirits above the given limit.

Immigration: An Immigration Officer attends onboard to stamp Crew Shore Passes and Passenger Landing Cards. The crew require an Argentine Shore Pass (fichas) on which appear a thumb print and photograph as well as personal details. If they are not already onboard they are prepared on the vessel's entry. A photographer can attend onboard. The Master, in the ETA message, should state the number of crew members requiring shore passes. Passengers require passports and landing cards.

There are no restrictions for either crew or passengers to proceed ashore with the above mentioned documents.

Flags

The national flag of Argentina is to be flown from the highest point on the vessel from sunrise to sunset. Fine for non compliance is an unspecified amount.

It is important to fly the "Q" flag on entering port until free pratique is granted by the Port Health Officer attending onboard. Fine for non compliance.

Notices and regulations

The following extracts from General Regulations apply to the roadstead and approach channels:

Anchoring is prohibited in the channels or within 0.25nm of their sides.

Visibility: During thick fog entry and departure is prohibited without special permission from Port Authorities.

Depths: No vessel may enter the channels unless the latest tidal information gives a depth equal to vessels draught on an ingoing tide, or 0.5m greater than vessels draught on the outgoing tide.

Passing: Vessels, proceeding in opposite directions meeting in the channel should alter course to starboard in plenty of time and should reduce speed when passing.

Overtaking is not permitted. Faster vessels should adjust their speed to stay at least 0.1nm astern of coasters and 0.55nm astern of any other vessel.

Movement in port: Before shifting berth, within the port, permission must be obtained from the Port Authorities who will supervise the movement.

Power driven vessels may leave port at any time of day or night if cleared by port and Customs Authorities.

Dangerous cargo: All explosive and inflammable materials must be discharged before a vessel enters the docks. For this purpose cargo may be worked in the roadstead. The only other cargo work permitted at the roadstead if for lightering purposed only.

ISPS

ISPS Designated Authority: Prefectura Naval Argentina.

Contact person: General Prefect, Prefecto Nacional Naval.

Address: Av Eduardo Madero 235, piso 2, 1106 Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Tel: +54 11 4318 7521/7522/7523

Fax: +54 11 4314 0317.

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://www. prefecturanaval.gov.ar

For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org

Repairs

All types of repairs, including underwater repairs can be carried out by specialised workshops or local shipyards. PNA permission is required for hot work (obtained by workshop) or immobilisation of main engines (obtained by Agent).

East Basin has 4 lay up berths with a total length of 1,400m. All usual services are available.

Divers: Available at short notice to carry out underwater repairs, salvage operations and/or inspections in conjunction with nautical surveyors.

Compass and direction finder adjustment: Can be carried out in the roads. Early advice necessary and advisable that the adjuster visits vessels beforehand to inspect equipment.

Marine salvage: Offered by a number of private companies and also by PNA technical department. Floating pontoons, submersible pumps, lifting gear, ground tackle and diver services available.

Safety equipment: Servicing of life rafts and equipment, carbon dioxide gas bottles, fire extinguishers, smoke detectors available from recognised firms.

Electric power: In case of generator breakdown onboard, power can be supplied from ashore, either from port installations or by hiring portable generators.

Dry docks

Drydocking installations situated at North Basin (graving docks) and at East Basin (floating docks and synchrolift) are no longer operated by the State. They have been purchased by a private company, Tandanor.

The synchrolift, one of the largest in South America, has a lifting capacity of 14,500t with a platform size of 184 x 32.9m. There are 4 parking spaces, 220m, 178m, 149m and 148m respectively. Depth over the sill is approximately 5.79m.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Previously available from shore. However, due to reconditioning of quays at terminals it may not be available temporarily at certain berths. In any case, flow rate from shore is generally weak. At all Puerto Dock Sud berths the supply is by barge only. Water barges are available for supplying all berths and are frequently necessary in the case of vessels with limited time alongside.

Bunkering: All grades of bunkers and lubricant oils are available provided sufficient advance notice is given. Not all berths are suitable for taking bunkers and it may be necessary for vessels to shift berths or go to an anchorage for the sole purpose of refuelling. A common requirement is that advance notice is given by the local Agent or sub-Agent.

Stores: Available in any quantity.

Medical

Attention and treatment is available at all levels from a wide variety of public and private hospitals and clinics.

Medical attention to crew members is normally provided through the ship's agent but Maritime Police (PNA) can be called upon in an emergency. Ambulances, launches and helicopters can be provided either by the ship's agent or PNA in case of serious illness or accident requiring immediate attention.

Transport

Nearest airport: The city is served by the Jorge Newberry Airport for domestic and Uruguayan flights. It is located within the city, along the river coast. The Ezeiza Airport, for international flights, is located further inland approximately 45m from the city.

Nearest railway: An extensive network covers a large part of the country. There are 6 main line terminals in Buenos Aires.

Railways, like many public services in Argentina have been mostly privatised or granted in concession, whereby services are gradually improving. Agents should be consulted if inland onward carriage by rail is contemplated.

Frequent passenger train services operate between the capital and its suburbs and the city is also served by 5 underground/subway lines.

Road transport: A numerous and wide variety of trucking services are available for the movement of cargoes, including heavy lifts.

Ample passenger bus services cover the city and the country in general. There are excellent long distance bus services throughout Argentina and to neighbouring countries.

Ferries: Regular services are maintained by fast modern ferries to the Uruguayan ports of Colonia and Montevideo.

Working hours

Normally 0700-1300hrs and 1300-1900hrs. Overtime available.

Terminal Buenos Aires S.A. (TERBASA): Operates 24hrs, 362 days per year.

Where it is

The port of Buenos Aires, which forms part of the city, is situated on the south shore of the River Plate at Km 0, all distances seaward are calculated from this point. Access is by the Punta Indio channel which starts near the Recalada Lightship to the SE of Montevideo.

The port

Buenos Aires is the federal capital of Argentina and all government offices and consuls are situated in the city.

The port is divided into two main commercial sections: New Port (Puerto Nuevo), entered via the North Channel and South Port (Puerto Sur) the old port area, entered through the South Channel. A third section, Darsena Norte (the North Basin), is the docking area for Argentina's Navy Ships and licensed sectors, like the Buquebus yacht Club and certain ferry lines.

On entering the North Port area, New Port (Puerto Neuvo) is located to the W and the North Basin is located to the S. New Port is divided into six dock basins (darsenas). The General Ports Administration (AGP) leases these dock areas out as concessions to several major private operators for periods ranging from 18 to 25 years. A new passenger terminal has been built here to accommodate an increasing number of cruise liners which call in to New Port. The North Anteport leads to the North Basin, which houses the Naval Dockyard and a hydrofoil ferry terminal. This is linked to the South Basin via four long dock basins which mainly accommodate small and recreational vessels. The area to the E of these four basins is known as Madero Port (Puerto Madero) which has latterly undergone a substantial amount of new development. Beyond this to the E is a nature reserve (Reserva Ecological) which borders the coastline.

Cruise vessels currently use Basins 'A', 'B' and the South side of Basin 'C' of the Terminales Rio de la Plata (Terminals 1, 2 and 3), operated by DP World. A substantial new area of berths is under construction the North of Basin 'E'. The Quinquela Martin Cruise Passenger Building is located just outside the main entrance to this container terminal.

At the entrance to the South Port (Puerto Sur) on the S shore there is an LPG /Products Berth and the Flammables Basin (Darsena de Inflamables). In the East Basin (Darsena Del Este) there is a floating drydock and shipyard and a power station with an oil tanker berth. Inside the South Anteport past the Eastern Basin is the South Dock (Dock Sud), with a container terminal and berths and dolphins for tankers. To the SW of the South Anteport is the entrance to the Riachuelo, a narrow winding river used by coastal vessels with drydocks, building slips and repair yards.

Traffic

Approx. 7,400,000t of cargo, 800,000TEU, 700 vessels and 370,000 passengers handled annually.

What are the pilot arrangements at Buenos Aires?

Compulsory, with certain limited exemptions as stipulated by the PNA

What time zone is Buenos Aires in?

Local time at Buenos Aires is UTC−3. No summer time.

What is the maximum draft at Buenos Aires?

The deepest berth listed is at Central Puerto: 9.80 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Buenos Aires?

1000.

Which load line zone is Buenos Aires in?

Summer.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Buenos Aires?

The UN/LOCODE of Buenos Aires is ARBUE.

What crews who called at Buenos Aires say: pilot boarding, the agent's papers, inspections, shore leave. Each tip is shown with the writer's rank and ship type, and an AI summary sits on top once there are three or more.

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