Port of Bahia Blanca, Argentina

Port Overview

Latitude	38 ° 49 ' S	Longitude	62 ° 17 ' W
Time Zone	GMT -3	UN/LOCODE	ARBHI
Breakbulk Facilities	√	Container Facilities
Dry Bulk Facilities		Liquid Facilities	√
Gas Facilities	√	Ro-Ro Facilities
Passenger Facilities		Multipurpose Facilities
Credits	Data supplemented by J E Turner & Cia SA, port agents. See Buenos Aires entry for contact information

Port Map

Port Description

Location: The port of Bahia Blanca is located in Buenos Aires province, 650km S of Buenos Aires city.
General overview: Bahia Blanca is a bay containing the following ports which are situated along the northern coast of the bay:

	Port area	Latitude	Longitude
Bahia Blanca Port Area:
1.	Ingeniero White	38°47.5'S	062°16.5'W
2.	Punta Ancla	38°57.0'S	062°00.0'W
3.	Punta Ciguena	38°55.5'S	062°02.0'W
4.	Puerto Galvan	38°47.0'S	062°18.0'W
Outside Bahia Blanca Port Area:
1.	Puerto Belgrano Naval Base	38°53.5'S	062°06.0'W
2.	Puerto Rosales (2 SBM)	38°55.7'S	062°04.1'W

The access to the port is through a 97km long and 190m wide channel, that allows the navigation of vessels up to 13.7m draught.
Ingeniero White is the principal export outlet for grain produced in the S areas of the Buenos Aires Province and La Pampa Territory and also for shipments of fruit from the Rio Negro Valley which were once moved via Buenos Aires.
There has also been a large increase in the movement of fish, mostly deep frozen, over the general cargo wharves of Ingeniero White.
At Punta Ancla and Punta Ciguena, there are two SBM's used by tankers to discharge crude oil to Yacimientos Petroliferos Fiscales SA (YPF) refinery at La Plata, via pipeline.
At Puerto Galvan there are extensive facilities for the discharge of tankers; oil importing companies have their tanks near the port, connected by pipelines to the berths, with crude, petroleum products and liquid gas handled.
Puerto Belgrano is the principal Argentine Naval Base, located at the mouth of the bay estuary and consists of an ante port and basin at the end at which there are 2 large dry docks and repair sheds, available to commercial vessels.
Traffic figures: The Bahia Blanca port complex is strongly oriented towards dry and liquid bulk cargo exports. Approx 19,776,000t of cargo handled annually by the port complex (including Puerto Rosales through the two SBM's).
The number of ships calling at the port annually is approx 980.
Load Line zone: Summer.
Max size: LOA 275m, beam 41m, draught 13.7m.
Largest vessel handled: Based on LOA, the largest vessel to use the port was "Finix", LOA 267m, beam 39m, sailing draught 8.3m, total cargo 16,500t, 64,656GT, 44,855NT.
Based on total carrying capacity, the largest vessel was "Thalassini Avra", LOA 263m, beam 42m, sailing draught 13.0m, total cargo 98,100t, 67,713GT, 40,323NT.

Pre-Arrival Information

ETA's: The initial ETA is to be sent 5 days prior to the ship's arrival. A further ETA is to be sent, confirming ETA, 24 hours before expiration of the first ETA.
A third message is to be sent immediately after arrival at the anchorage area. The messages must be sent to Consorcio de Gestion del Puerto de Bahia Blanca. The ETA messages must include the following information: Name of ship, length, beam, depth, arrival draught and estimated departure draught, NT and GT, origin and destination, type of operation, terminal to visit and estimated cargo to be worked.
Documentation required:

1.	General Declaration
2.	Manifest of cargo
3.	Manifest of cargo in transit
4.	Ship Arrival Form 741 (Formulario 741 de Entrada de Buques)
5.	Clearance from Last Port (if necessary)
6.	Cabin Stores Lis (Manifiesto de Rancho)
7.	Deck and Engine Stores List
8.	Crew List
9.	Passengers List
10.	Crew Personal Effects List (Efectos personales de la tripulacion)
11.	Arms and Ammunitions List
12.	Maritime Health Declaration

Cargo Manifests or In Ballast Declaration: Cargo Manifests or a Ballast Manifest have to be presented on arrival but these are normally dealt with by the agent, on behalf of the Master. 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.
Communications: Radio Bahia Blanca "LPW", R/T on 2, 4, 6, 8 12/13MHz and VHF Ch 16, 26, 27. Monte Hermoso Radio, Ch 16 and 28 (0800-2359hrs). Bahia Blanca Prefectura Naval Argentina "L2H", W/T on 500kHz, R/T on 2, 4MHz, Ch 09, 12, 14, 16, 77 throughout 24 hours.
VHF: Port: Ch 12, 14 and 16.
VTS: Ch 73.
Pilots: Ch 12 throughout 24 hours; pilot vessel callsign "Penalva" and "Keoken". Tugs: Ch 08.
Vessels are requested to call "L2N" on Ch 16 and 12 before entrance to the channel.
Health regulations: 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 Sanidad (Port Health) officer attends on arrival. This visit does not normally prevent the commencement of cargo operations.
Cholera: The salient points of Ministry of Health and Social Security regulation No 1333 of 1.12.92, affecting vessels arriving, are as follows:

1.	All vessels, regardless of the port from which they come, may not dispose of sewage within 12nm of the Argentine coast. Sewage tank discharge valves must be sealed.
2.	Vessels that have not called at ports of cholera infected countries within 180 days of arrival may make a free pratique application by cable as per established procedures.
3.	Vessels as above, but having onboard persons who have joined from infected countries within the previous 30 days, will enter port flying the "Q" flag and said persons will be subject to medical examination.
4.	Vessels that have called at ports within infected countries within the previous 180 days cannot obtain free pratique by cable and must assure that:
	a.	All refuse is hermetically sealed to be disposed of as instructed by Port Health authorities.
	b.	They have sufficient stocks of medicines onboard for treating cholera cases, such as doxicyline, tetracycline, sulphanilamide, saline solution, glucose intravenous solution and salt tablets.
	c.	All suspected cases to be reported immediately.
	d.	Master must send a message to Port Health (sanitary authorities) 72 hours before arrival, stating:
		i.	Vessel name
		ii.	Flag
		iii.	Number of crew
		iv.	Type of cargo and/or ballast (total quantity of ballast on board).
		v.	Date vessel last called at a port in an infected country.
		vi.	Ports of call in last 180 days
		vii.	Advise if any crew member requires medical attention of any kind.
		viii	Advise if ballast tanks (bilges, etc) have been chlorinated.
		ix.	Advise number and position of overboard discharge valves of ballast tanks, bilges, etc that have been sealed.
5.	Ship's agent must present the above information, duly signed and stamped, in Spanish to Health Authorities and Coastguard. If this information is not presented, vessels will be detained on entry into Argentine jurisdiction until these measures are complied with and will be subject to corresponding sanctions.
6.	On compliance with the above requirements, vessel will be permitted to enter port flying the "Q" flag. In port, the Master will, in the form of a sworn declaration, ratify/complete the information previously sent by cable, stating at the same time if any deballasting is required.
7.	Port Health authorities will check overboard discharge valves and their seals and also that ballast tanks have been adequately chlorinated and/or chlorinate any liquids that are required to be treated. Free pratique will be granted on completion of the above inspection.
8.	In cases where Master requires to deballast any tanks, authorisation to do so must be granted by Port Health authorities who will determine conditions under which tanks may be deballasted. Ballast tanks must be chlorinated with sodium chloride (liquid) at a ratio of 150cc per ton of water.

Ship Sanitation Control 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 to 1300hrs, Mon to 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 on board 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 how many crew members require 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. Fines 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. Fines for non compliance is US$5,000.
Notices 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 outer roads if the berth is occupied or if charterer, for any reason, does not accept vessel alongside.
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.
General notices & regulations: The following regulations apply to Puerto Belgrano. In daytime, signals are hoisted at the head of Mole "C" and at night lights are shown at a height of 34.5m from the signal station, being visible for 16km. A strong green light prohibits entry and a white light above green prohibits sailing from the port, 2 green lights, vertical, both entry and leaving prohibited.
Gunnery Exercises: Masters are warned that in order to avoid any danger, the greatest care should be taken when navigating in the security zone, between the coast and an imaginary broken line which passes through the following:

1.	39°00'S 061°37'W
2.	39°05'S 061°40'W
3.	39°02'S 061°47'W
4.	38°58'S 061°51'W

Danger Zone: Situated 38°53'S 062°06'W, approx. During gun practice, navigation is prohibited in the circular area of 180° from the central point of the signal station which extends from 152° to 332°. The boundary of this area passes 14.4km off the signal station.
The Prefectura of Bahia Blanca will notify all ships in good time of the expected hour and date on which firing practise will take place.
Ship Reporting: Whilst in Argentine waters, vessels are required to keep the Prefectura Naval Argentina (Coastguard) advised of their position. This is achieved by:

1.	Long range: Informing SECOSENA
2.	Short (close) range: Informing CONTRASE.

Short range contact with CONTRASE is via VHF and is maintained by the pilot, on the Master's behalf, whenever underway. The Master is not required to intervene.
In the case of SECOSENA, on entering Argentine waters, Master should give (in Spanish or "Standard Marine Vocabulary" and/or "Q" code):

1.	Upon entering national waters: Name of ship, flag, callsign, length, breadth, draught, speed, bound from, proceeding to, position, type of cargo, course and if a doctor is carried on board.
2.	Upon departing national waters: Name of ship, flag, callsign, speed, destination, position and course.
3.	Upon entering port: Name of ship, flag, callsign, time and place of berthing.
4.	Upon leaving port: Name of ship, flag, callsign, length, breadth, draught, speed, destination, course, type of cargo and if a doctor is available on board.

Transmission of all SECOSENA messages is via MF or HF radio.
Certificates of competency: The Coastguard (PNA) have recently been asking to see all deck, engine and radio officers certificates of competency. They must be valid and acceptable to the country under whose flag the vessel is registered. This refers in particular to vessels sailing under flags of convenience.

Navigation

Port limits: According to port statute that regulates the Consortium operation, the seaward boundaries of the port are the following:

1.	On the northern coast of the estuary, the point called Punta Pehuen-Co (39°00.2'S 061°33.2'W).
2.	On the southern coast of the estuary, the point called Punta Labertino (39°26.2'S 062°02.1'W).

Both points are linked by an imaginary line that follows the depth contour of 10m.
Sea buoys, fairways and channels: The access channel to the port starts at the Rincon Lightbuoy located at 39°23.9'S 061°29.1'W. It is red and white and is fitted with a radar reflector and racon. After the Rincon Buoy, the course to be followed is indicated by buoys numbered in ascending order starting from No 1 (white light mid channel buoy) (39°22.4'S 061°31.1'W) and ending at green Buoy No 32 (38°48.1'S 062°15.2'W) at the entrance of Ingeniero White Port. The total number of buoys in the channel is 62.
The area close to the red and white Buoy No 11 (39°04.7'S 061°49.6'W) is identified as the pilot boarding station.
The length of the channel is 97km and the width 190m. The channel is navigable by ships up to 13.7m draught with suitable tide.
Pilot: There are two private pilotage companies in the port. They are:

1.	Esem SA, Av Dr M Guido y E Pilling-M C Gral-Pto Ing White, (8103)
	Ingeniero White. Tel: +54 291 457 0114; Fax: +54 291 457 1334,
	e-mail: esemsa@infovia.com.ar
2.	Donmar SRL, Edificio Fruticultura Of 6-M C Gral-Pto Ing White, (8103)
	Ingeniero White. Tel: +54 291 457 0353; Fax: +54 291 457 0342,
	e-mail: donmar@infovia.com.ar

General regulations: For the access channel, from Rincon Lightbuoy to Buoy No 11, pilotage is not compulsory.
For foreign flag ships, pilotage is compulsory from Buoy No 11 up to the ports of Ingeniero White and Galvan.
For Argentine flag ships of any length and with a draught up to 8.2m, pilotage is not compulsory between Buoy No 11 and Buoy No 22.
For Argentine flag ships with lengths up to 180m and draughts up to 8.2m, pilotage is not compulsory between Buoy No 22 and the ports of Ingeniero White and Galvan.
Anchorages: Anchorages for the port of Bahia Blanca are defined as follows:

Zone	Point	Latitude	Longitude
"Alfa"	A	39°04.1'S	061°48.6'W
	B	39°05.2'S	061°46.5'W
	C	39°06.3'S	061°46.6'W
	D	39°04.9'S	061°49.2'W
"Bravo"	A	39°03.1'S	061°50.4.W
	B	39°04.1'S	061°48.4'W
	C	39°04.5'S	061°49.2'W
	D	39°03.4'S	061°53.5'W
"Charlie"	A	38°59.1'S	061°53.5'W
	B	38°59.3'S	061°54.1'W
	C	39°00.2'S	061°51.1'W
	D	39°01.2'S	061°48.2'W
	E	39°01.5'S	061°48.4'W
"Delta"	A	38°58.2'S	061°56.0'W
	B	38°59.0'S	061°54.0'W
	C	38°59.2'S	061°54.1'W
	D	38°58.5'S	061°56.1'W
"Outer"	A	39°17.0'S	061°36.8'W
	B	39°17.0'S	061°30.0'W
	C	39°19.9'S	061°32.9'W

Alfa Zone: Vessels shall maintain a free corridor of 500m along the channel axis.
Bravo zone: The same applies as for Alfa Zone. Used by vessels leaving port with a draft in excess of 10m.
Charlie Zone: At the S end of the zone is a 500m wide manoeuvring area.
Delta Zone: For vessels with draughts over 10m which have to cross the Canal del Toro or tankers waiting to berth in Punta Ancla and Punta Ciguena.
Outer Anchorage: Waiting area for inbound vessels.
The Ingeniero White port area is located from approx Buoy No 32 up to Galvan port.
Tidal range and flow: The tidal regime may be considered as semi diurnal. The following table defines the values for Ingeniero White port in different situations throughout the year.

Water levels above reduction plane
Type	High Water Level		Low Water Level		Height
	Spring	Neap	Spring	Neap	Spring	Neap
	(m)	(m)	(m)	(m)	(m)	(m)
Perigee eq	4.69	3.64	0.49	1.54	4.20	2.10
Perigee	4.62	3.72	0.56	1.46	4.06	2.26
Mean	4.36	3.97	0.82	1.21	3.54	2.76

Mean level is +2.59m; reduction plane is 2.59m below Mean level.
Dock density: Varies with state of tide and for different berths. Readings up to 1028 have been reported.
Weather: Prevailing winds: N, NW and W.
Rainfall: Annual average is 558mm. March is the month with the highest rainfall.
Fog: Fog occurs, on average, 27 times annually.
Charts: The following Argentine charts are available for navigation in the area: H-200, H-211, H-212, H-254, H-255, H-256, H-257, H-258 and H-259. Admiralty Pilot NP5.
Traffic schemes: Messages should be made to Prefectura Naval Argentina when the ship enters the access channel at Rincon Buoy and when passing Buoy No 04. VHF Ch 12 callsign "L2N" must be used.
Bahia Blanca Vessel Traffic System (VTS): co-ordinates safe and efficient transit of vessels preventing accidents and damage to property and environment. It is based on radar surveillance covering the entire area from Rincon Lightbuoy up to inner ports. VTS also informs predicted vessel movements, hazardous to navigation, tides, navigation aids, discrepancies and meteorological information. Bahia Blanca VTS maintains continuous watch on VHF-FM channels 73/12 monitoring traffic 24 hours a day. It is operated by the Consorcio de Gestion del Puerto de Bahia Blanca (Port Authority). Prefectura de Bahia Blanca has a repeater according to navigation safety regulations.
Restrictions: An UKC of not less than 10% of the static draught is required at all times.
Maximum speed within the port area is 3kts.
Artillery drills: Navigation, stay and anchoring of vessels in the area of artillery drills opposite Puerto Belgrano naval base, is forbidden between the coast and a line passing through the following points:

1.	39°00.0'S	061°37.0'W
2.	39°05.0'S	061°40.0'W
3.	39°02.0'S	061°47.0'W
4.	38°58.0'S	061°50.1'W

During artillery drills, it is absolutely forbidden to navigate in the following zone: A circular 180° sector having a centre on the signal station (38°53'S 062°05'W) which covers an arc from 152° (alignment of the signal station with Rosales port beacon) to 332° with a radius of 9nm. It comprises the access channel, between buoy No 23 and the access to Ingeniero White. The Prefectura Naval Argentina (Coastguard) will warn vessels in advance, regarding day and time of shooting drills.
Note: Night time navigation through the Bahia Blanca main channel is no longer authorised in the leg between Channel Entry Buoy and Buoy No 11.
Tugs: There are 2 private companies offering towage services.
Satecna Costa Afuera S.A, Tel: + 54 291 457 1619, Fax: +54 291 457 1412, operates 4 tugs which are equipped with fire fighting equipment, as follows:

Name	Horsepower	Bollard Pull
	(hp)	(t)
Miura	2,600	39
Edimir	3,200	40
Tornado	2,600	39
Libertador	2,700	35

Trans-Ona SAMCF, Tel: +54 291 457 1395, Fax +54 291 457 1745, operates 2 tugs as follows:

Name	Horsepower	Bollard Pull
	(hp)	(t)
Ona Titan	2,500	37
Tifon	3,180	40

Tug requirements: Some berths require the use of a minimum number of tugs. They are as follows:
Piedrabuena (Glencore-Toepfer Terminal): Max vessel length, 250m. Vessels over 150m require one tug for berthing and unberthing. If vessels berth bow out, no tugs are required.
Terminal Bahia Blanca 5/6-IW: Max vessel length, 245m. Vessels between 100m and 130m require one tug for berthing and unberthing. Vessels greater than 130m require two tugs for berthing and unberthing.
Terminal Bahia Blanca 7/8-IW: Max vessel length, 200m; max beam, 30m. Vessels between 100m and 130m require one tug for berthing and unberthing. Vessels greater than 130m require two tugs for berthing and unberthing.
Terminal Bahia Blanca 9-IW: Max vessel length, 250m. Vessels greater than 160m in length require one tug for berthing and unberthing.
Breakbulk Cargo Wharf (Muelle Carga General) IW: Max vessel length, 170m. Vessels greater than 100m require two tugs for berthing and unberthing. Unberthing for vessels bow out requires 1 tug.
Terminal Cargill SACI-IW: Max vessel length, 250m. Vessels greater than 160m require one tug for berthing and unberthing.
Berth No 1 - Puerto Galvan: Max vessel length, 130m; max beam 24m. Vessels greater than 90m require one tug for berthing and unberthing. If a ship is greater than 90m and berthed in No 2/3, 2 tugs are required for berthing and unberthing.
Berth No 2/3 - Puerto Galvan: Max vessel length, 230m; max beam, 35m. Vessels between 100m and 130m require one tug for berthing and two for unberthing. If vessel is berthed bow out, only one tug is required for unberthing. Vessels greater than 130m require two tugs for berthing and unberthing. Vessels berthed bow out require only one tug for unberthing.
Berth No 5 - Puerto Galvan: Max vessel length, 230m. Vessels between 100m and 130m require one tug for berthing and two tugs for unberthing. If vessel is berthed bow out, only one tug is required for unberthing.
Vessels greater than 130m require two tugs for berthing and unberthing. If vessel is berthed bow out only one tug is required.
Berth No 6 - Puerto Galvan: Max vessel length, 120m. Vessels over 90m require one tug for berthing and unberthing. If a ship is moored in Berth No 5, berthing and unberthing must be undertaken with 2 tugs.
Inflammables Terminal - Berths No 1 & 2: Vessels between 100m and 150m require 2 tugs for berthing and one tug for unberthing. Vessels greater than 150m require two tugs for berthing and unberthing. If vessel is berthed bow out, only one tug is required for unberthing.
Profile Terminal: Bulk carriers greater than LOA 130m, 1 tug for berthing/unberthing required. If there is vessel berthed in Mega Terminal, vessels between LOA 100-160m, one tug required for berthing/unberthing, and vessels greater than LOA 160m, 2 tugs required for berthing/unberthing; vessels bow out, tide rising, 1 tug required for unberthing.
Chemical tankers greater than LOA 100m, 1 tug required for berthing/unberthing. If there is vessel berthed at Mega Terminal, vessels between LOA 100-150m, 1 tug required for berthing/unberthing, and vessels greater than LOA 150m, 2 tugs required for berthing/unberthing; vessels bow out, tide rising, 1 tug required for unberthing.
Vessels required to take two tugs, if fitted with bow thruster can use one tug for berthing/unberthing manoeuvre.
Mega Terminal: Vessels between LOA 100-150m, 2 tugs required for berthing and 2 tug for unberthing. Vessels with bow thrusters, 1 tug required for berthing. Vessels greater than LOA 150m, 2 tugs required. Vessels bow out, tide rising, 1 tug required for unberthing. Vessels with bow thruster, 1 tug required for berthing/unberthing. If there is vessel in Profertil Terminal, 2 tugs required for berthing/unberthing without exception.
Coastguard: All search and rescue messages in the area between Claromeco Lighthouse (38°51.05'S 060°03.00'W) and the southern branch of the Colorado River (39°50.48'S 062°06.48'W) must be sent to: Prefectura Naval Argentina - Prefectura Bahia Blanca, Tel: +54 291 457 3124, Fax: +54 291 457 3355.

Berths and Cargo

Names/Nos:
PUERTO BELGRANO: This is the principal Argentine Naval Base. It consists of an ante-port and basin, at the end of which are 2 large dry docks and repair sheds, which may be used by commercial vessels subject to Naval permission. Its entrance channel is approx 3,500m in length, 150m in width and is dredged to 9.1m at CD.
There is a double arm wharf at which vessels can discharge cargo, only coal or cargo for use by the Argentinian Navy is discharged. The wharf provides accommodation for up to 8 vessels, each of 125m LOA; depth alongside is 8.2m at LW.
INGENIERO WHITE: There are 5 berths available for grain cargoes:
COMMANDANTE LUIS PIEDRABUENA PIER (TOEPFER TERMINAL): Grain terminal, handling cereals in bulk, sunflower pellets, sunflower seed. Length 200m with additional mooring tower 118m beyond at eastern end and viaduct 780m long at western end joining pier to shore. Fitted with 4 travelling grain loading towers and more recently with conveyor belt extending the entire length of viaduct/pier, joining same with 55,000t grain storage on shore. Cape size vessels can load.
BAHIA BLANCA TERMINAL SA: There are 3 berths, Nos 5/6, 7/8 and 9.
Berths No 5/6 handle grain in bulk and sunflower seed, length 300m, LOA 245m and a depth alongside of 8.8m.
Cargo handling equipment consists of conveyor belts giving a mean loading rate of 1,500tph.
Berths No 7/8 handle grain in bulk and sunflower seed, length 300m, beam 9.1m, LOA 200m with an alongside depth of 8.8m.
Cargo handling equipment consists of conveyor belts giving a mean loading rate of 1,500tph.
Berth No 9 handles grain in bulk. Length between the outer mooring dolphins is 294m, LOA 250m with an alongside depth of 15.2m.
Cargo handling equipment consists of a conveyor system with a mean loading rate of 1,200tph.
Total storage capacity of the terminal (silos) is 191,600t. Cape size vessels load.
CARGILL SACI TERMINAL: There is 1 berth. Cargo handled includes grain in bulk, malt, sunflower pellets and oil. Length between outer mooring dolphins is 280m. LOA 250m with an alongside depth of 13.7m.
Cargo handling equipment consists of a conveyor belt giving a mean loading rate of 2,400tph and rubber hoses for oil seed.
Grain storage capacity: 54,000t (vertical silos), 90,000t (horizontal silos) and 22,800m³ vegetable oil tanks.
MINISTRO CARRANZA WHARF - Breakbulk cargo wharf: There are 4 berths. Nos 17, 18 and 19 on the northern side have a continuous face of 450m and on the south western side Berth No 20 is 210m in length.
Cargoes handled include frozen fish, cold fruit, cement and machinery, etc. Depth alongside range from 5.7-7.3m.
Cargo handling equipment consists of 2 x 3t gantry cranes and 1 x 2t gantry cranes. Additionally, there are 2 mobile cranes of 15t and 45t capacity.
By the berthing line there are 3 cold storage plants with a total capacity of 82,000m³. There is 18,000m² of open storage for containers, cars/trucks, etc.
PROFERTIL SA TERMINAL: This terminal handles urea and ammonia, has a 270m length, handling vessels of up to LOA 235m, depth 13.7m. Cargo handling equipment; conveyor belt, loading rate 1,250tph and 1 Ammonia loading arm, rate 500m³/hr.
Storage capacity of 150,000t of urea (horizontal silos) and 30,000m³ of ammonia (tank).
MEGA SA TERMINAL: There is 1 berth, concrete pier parallel to the channel 270m long for vessels up to LOA 230m, handling LPG and gasoline. Depth of berth 13.7m. Cargo handling equipment of 3 loading arms for LPG (Propane and Butane), loading rate 2,000m³/hr and 2 loading arms for gasoline, loading rate 1,000m³/hr.
Storage capacity of 105,000m³. LPG (3 tanks) and 30,000m³, gasoline (2 tanks).
PUNTA ANCLA SBM: Situated between Buoys 19/21, 2,000m offshore, in 18.3m of water. Draught is controlled by depth in the access channel.
Max LOA 250m, BCM 115m, 67,500DWT. The line is 30in, reducing to 2 x 12in hose connections to vessel, with a capacity of 3,000m³/hr. There is no special deballasting line, the same 30in line being used as needed.
PUNTA CIGUENA SBM: A SBM type mooring, lying 1,500m offshore, connected by a 30in line to the tanks in Puerto Rosales, seldom used now, with 180,000m³ capacity. The pipeline connecting with the refinery at La Plata is in operation. Max BCM 130m, 2 x 12in hoses connected to vessel.
Both SBM's used by tankers discharging and loading crude oil to and from the adjacent EBYTEN SA tank farm and/or pipeline for local distribution. Tank capacity is 480,000m³. Deadweight limitation at the buoys is 67,500t and 90,000t respectively. Pilots not required if draught is less than 8.2m and Argentine recognised crew, all others are compulsory. Vessels of more than 70,000DWT, pilot and tug tied at stern required during operations. Speed of current up to 2kts.
PUERTO GALVAN: A large quay with 11 berths situated 2km W of Ingeniero White. The berths are stepped on each side of a wide pier.
OLEAGINOSA MORENO HNOS SA TERMINAL: There are 3 berths, Nos 1, 2/3 and 4.
Berth No 1: Out of use.
Berths No 2/3: Cargo handled includes grains in bulk, sunflower and soya bean pellets and oil. Berth length is 270m, LOA 230m with an alongside depth of 11.6m.
Cargo handling equipment consists of a conveyor belt with a mean loading rate of 1,600tph and rubber hoses for oil seed.
Total storage capacity of the terminal is 120,000t in horizontal silos, 20,000t in vertical silos and 40,000m³ in tanks for sunflower and soya bean oil.
Berth No 4: Out of use.
Berth No 5: Cargo handled includes breakbulk, containers, fertilisers and, occasionally, cereals with portable conveyor belts. Length between the outer mooring dolphin and Berth No 6 is 249m with an alongside depth of 8.8m.
Cargo handling equipment consists of 2 gantry cranes, max lift 35t at 16m.
There is open storage of 5,000m² for containers, cars/trucks, etc.
Berth No 6: Cargo handled includes breakbulk and occasionally cereals with portable conveyor belts. Berth length is 120m with an alongside depth of 8.2m.
There is no cargo handling equipment available.
There is 4,500m² of open storage for containers, cars/trucks, etc.
Berths No 7, 8, 9, 10 & 11: Out of use.
INFLAMMABLE LIQUID & GASES TERMINAL: There are 2 berths, No 1 and 2. The terminal is operated by Bahia Petroleo SA.
Berth No 1: handles crude oil, oil products and caustic soda through pipelines. The length is 371m between the outer mooring dolphins with an alongside depth of 12.8m. Max LOA 250m, 70,000DWT, draught 12.2m. The berth has 5 loading arms.
Berth No 2: handles chemicals, petro chemicals, oil products and LPG through pipelines. The berth length is 371m between the outer mooring dolphins with an alongside depth 12.7m. Max LOA 250m, 70,000DWT, draught 12.2m. There are 7 loading arms.
Storage capacity of 85,000m³ Esso, 14,000m³ Shell, 30,000m³ TGS, 5,000m³ Grupo Solvay, 30,000m³ Grupo Dow, 15,000m³ Induclos, 138,000m³ EG3.
PUERTO ROSALES: Is used by launches shuttling crews to/from ships at anchor as well as stores. Dredging work is being carried out to reach depths, alongside the berth, of 5.1m.
There is a pipeline from Puerto Rosales to La Plata supplying oil to the latter.
Storage: The Port Authority has a bonded warehouse with a capacity of 800m² and 2 warehouses with a capacity of 2,916m² at Ingeniero White. There is also a covered area available at Puerto Galvan. Open storage is available at both these ports.
Cargo: Average loading rates (subject to good supply of cargo):

Grain - Cdte Luis Piedrabuena	1,000tph
Grain - Berths 5/6, 7/8	1,500tph
Grain - Berth 9	1,800tph
Grain - Cargill	2,400tph
Vegoil - Cargill	1,200tph
Grain - Galvan 2/3	1,600tph
Pellets - Galvan 2/3	750tph
Vegoil - Galvan 2/3	900tph
Pallets	180 (per gang per 6 hour shift)
Chemicals	150tph
Crude Oil	300/800m³/hr
Distillates	400m³/hr
Fuel Oil	300m³/hr
Liquid Gas - Posta 2	300m3/hr (propane and butane)
Frozen fish	80/100tp/gang
Eucalyptus Logs	100/120tp/gang
Liquid gas - Mega	2,000m³/hr
Gasoline - Mega	1,000m³/hr
Urea - Profertil	1,250tph
Liquid Ammonium - Profertil	500tph

Barges: No barges available for cargo operations in the port.
Ballast/slop reception: No tanks are available for the reception of ballast and slops in the port area. There is a private company that can handle small amounts of ballast/slops by trucks.
Security: Gangway watchmen are compulsory for all foreign flag vessels over 2,000gt.
Safety: Emergency: Tel: 107.

General

Repairs: All kinds of ship repairs can be carried out in Bahia Blanca. Diving companies are available for underwater repairs and surveys.
Docking facilities: Dry dock facilities, at Puerto Belgrano, are as follows: No 1, 220m x 22m; No 2, 234m x 35m.
Bunkers/water/stores: Fresh water: Available. Water can be supplied at the following rates at Ingeniero White: Glencore-Toepfer Terminal at 20m³/hr; Bahia Blanca Terminal at 20m³/hr; Cargill SACI Terminal at 15/18m³/hr; General Cargo Wharf at 10m³/hr. At Galvan water can be supplied at all berths at 20m³/hr.
Bunkering: Supplies of bunkers are available locally and can be supplied by road tanker or barge. Arrangements have to be made at least 72 hours beforehand. At Berths No 1 and 2, in the Inflammable Liquid and Gases Terminal in Galvan port, bunkers can be supplied by pipeline.
Stores: Stores of all types can be brought alongside the berths.
Medical facilities: There are several hospitals available:

Name	Telephone
Hospital Menor de Ingeniero	+54 291 457 3132
Hospital de la Asociacion Medica de Bahia Blanca	+54 291 455 7877
Hospital Interzonal Gral	+54 291 481 3300
Hospital Municipal	+54 291 455 8484
Hospital Privado del Sur	+54 291 455 0270
Hospital Regional Espanol	+54 291 456 5555
Hospital Itiano Regional del Sur	+54 291 481 0560
There are also 2 private companies for medical emergencies:
S.E.M Emergencias Medicas	+54 291 452 1919
Alerta S.A	+54 291 454 0400

Transport: Nearest airport: Bahia Blanca airport is situated approx 10km from the centre of Bahia Blanca. There are no international services but there are several daily flights to Buenos Aires and other destinations within the country.
Nearest railway: Bahia Blanca. Passenger connections with Buenos Aires.
Crew change: It is possible to repatriate crews.
Consuls: Chile, Denmark, France, Italy, Norway, Spain.
Banks: The following is a list of some of the banks operating in the port: Bisel, Citibank, Credicoop Coop Ltda, Boston, Galicia, Nacion Argentina, La Pampa, de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Bansud, Frances y del Rio de La Plata, Mercantil, Rio, Almafuerte, Lloyd's, Sudameris, Banca Nazionale del Lavoro, HSBC.
Public holidays: Jan 1, Good Friday, May 1, May 25, Jun 10, Jun 20, Jul 9, Aug 17, Oct 12, Dec 8 and Dec 25. Maundy Thursday is defined as a non-working day and government offices, banks and insurance companies are closed. For private enterprises it is an optional holiday. Local holidays (defined as non-working days) are Apr 11 and Sep 24.
Working hours: Mon-Fri 0700-1900hrs, Sat 0700-1300hrs, other periods are worked as overtime. Stevedores (6 hours shifts) Mon-Fri 0700-1300hrs, 1300-1900hrs, Sat 0700-1300hrs, all other periods overtime.
Developments: A new multipurpose wharf (containers and dry bulk cargo) is under construction at Berth No 21, in Puerto Indeniero White. Length 270m, depth 13.7m Owned by Consorcio de Gestion del Puerto de Bahia Blanca.
Surveyors: Classification societies:

	Telephone
Cargo surveyors:
SGS Argentina SA (Ingeniero White)	+54 291 457 1311
Surveyseed Services SA (Buenos Aires)	+54 11 4821 7733
Inchcape Testing Services Argentina (Buenos Aires)	+54 11 4375 4004
Control Internacional SA (Buenos Aires)	+54 11 4951 9818
Dellan SA (Rosario)	+54 941 424 4638
CALISET	+54 291 456 5789
Inspectorate de Argentina SA (Bahia Blanca)	+54 291 455 8071

Recreation: All types of recreational facilities are available in Bahia Blanca and also in Ingeneiro White. Taxi fare is approx US$7-10 from the port to downtown Bahia Blanca.
Garbage: Collection facilities available. Special containers are distributed in the port for dry garbage disposal.
Sewage disposal has to be arranged with private companies through the ship's agent.
Officials and visitors: No accommodation or meals are required by officials in the port. Visitors are allowed on board, in general, but prearranged appointments are advisable, specifically for visiting privately operated terminals.
Fumigation: There are two specialised companies available, Acondicionadora de Cereales Srl, Tel: +54 291 457 0390 and Fugran CEI SA, Tel: +54 291 457 2504.
Pollution: International regulations are compulsory, any emergency has to be first reported to the Prefectura Nava Argentina

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