B2B Forum » International Trade Forums » For Exporters » Sea Ports » Buenos Aires

Port of Buenos Aires, Argentina

Port Map

Port Description

Location: 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.
General overview: 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 sections the old port (Puerto Sur) entered through the South Channel and the new port (Puerto Nuevo) entered via the North Channel.
On entering the North outer port the north basin (Darsena Norte) is to the west, this is the Naval dockyard with two dry docks and a hydrofoil ferry terminal. To the north is the new port area which has been divided into 6 terminals plus the grain elevator. The General Ports Administration (AGP) has let these out as concessions to private operators for periods ranging from 18 to 25 years. On the approaches to the south outer basin there is the LPG jetty (Darsena de propaneros) and the Petroleum piers (Darsena de Inflamamables) on the south bank of the entrance. On the north bank there is the East Basin with a dry dock and shipyard, also the power station with an oil tanker berth. Inside the South outer port passed the east basin is the south dock, with berths and dolphins for tankers and the south basin to the north, (puerto Madero) mainly for ferries and Ro-Ro vessels. The south basin is connected to the north basin by a series of four docks which is used as a small craft marina. To the southwest of the south outer basin is Riachuelo, a narrow winding stream used by coastal vessels with dry docks, building slips and repair yards.
Traffic figures: Approx 9,500,000t of cargo is handled annually.
Load Line zone: Summer
Max size: No max draft is stipulated for the port of Buenos Aires and vessels should proceed, or not, according to existing conditions. In this respect drafts of around 9.75m (FW), taking advantage of the tide, are not uncommon. However, due to varying conditions of tides and winds and depths in the channels and alongside, Masters should exercise great care and consult agents and pilots as necessary.
No max length is stipulated for vessels entering the port but PNA and agents should be consulted with regard to vessels over approx 230m LOA. In this respect, Panamax type vessels regularly operate without difficulty, however these are the largest type of vessels that normally use the port.
It should be noted and taken into account that not all berths are suitable for vessels of the above LOA and drafts.
 

Pre Arrival Infotmation

ETA's: Initial ETA should be sent as per charter party instructions, if on a voyage charter, otherwise if there is no instruction to the contrary, 7 days prior to arrival to nominated owners and/or charterers agents.
NB: In practically all cases of vessels loading/discharging at ports other than Buenos Aires, all matters are handled and controlled by a principal agent in Buenos Aires who, in turn, appoints a subagent to assist at the actual loading/discharging port.
Additional ETA's should be sent as per charter party instructions or at 72, 48 and 24 hours prior to arrival.
The ETA message should include:

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.
Communications: For passing messages, Inmarsat is recommended. Radio Pacheco, which works throughout 24 hours, can be used on the following frequencies:

Argentina Radio Telex Service: The following information relates to the private telex service operated by "Argentina Radio LSD836". Telex traffic can be routed to Buenos Aires and other places in Argentina and throughout the world.
Call selective call number 0111, throughout 24 hours (Mon-Fri), 0900-0100hrs UTC (Sat) and 1100-1900hrs UTC (Sun and holidays) on any of the following paired frequencies:

Note: As soon as a call from a ship is detected, on any frequency, the auto scanner system will stop and will establish contact. The station will then return to the main scanning loop.
The ship must wait for the message and then change over signal to send traffic. The first row of the message must start with the telex number and the message must end with KKKK. The ship will then receive the time to be charged for the contact. It is then ready to send a new message or return to stand by mode.
VHF:

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 a 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 Dec 1 1992, affecting vessels arriving, are as follows:

Derat and Derat Exemption Certificates: To obtain a new Derat Certificate with fumigation, a minimum of 30 hours is required.
If Derat 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 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 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.
General notices & regulations: Reporting: Whilst in Argentine waters, vessels are required to keep the Prefectura Naval Argentina (Coastguard) advised of their position. This is achieved by:

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):

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.
Port regulations:
South Channel/South Dock area: In this area special conditions apply as follows:

Agency: Apart from naming an agent of good reputation and long standing, ship owners of vessels loading grain, on voyage charter consigned to charterers agents, should bear in mind that chartering agents will normally press the Master to load the maximum quantity possible within the limits of channel depths and tides. This may of course coincide with ship owners wishes but it should be borne in mind that if the vessel in question goes aground on passage down river this becomes a problem. This could be a very serious problem for the ship owner but not for the charterer or his agent. Because of this, as well as other matters, it is advisable for ship owners to appoint a confidential agent to protect the owners interests when a vessel is assigned to charterers agents.

Navigation

Sea buoys, fairways and channels: Access to the port of Buenos Aires is made through 200km(112nm) of dredged channels along Rio de la Plata. The passages start at Km 0 (Buenos Aires Port) and enter into Darsena Norte seaward are as follows:

The main access canal to the port has a depth of 9.75m as per local zero, width 60m, under approval to be increased to 100m wide and a 1:8 slope.
Direct entrance is by a channel running from the outer roads to within 10km of the port, where the channel divides into the N Channel, serving the New Port and North Basin, with a depth of 9.75m, and the S Channel, for the rest of the port, with a depth of 9.75m to South outer port, less to South Dock. All depths given refer to the zero of the Riachuelo tidal indicator and semaphore in Buenos Aires port, which practically responds to the level of the ordinary lowest waters and is marked 0.72m under the average medium level of tides.
No vessel may enter the channels unless the latest tidal information is gives a depth equal to her draught on a rising tide or 0.5m greater than her draught on a falling tide.
The Mitre Channel enters the access channel at buoy No 12, by the inner roads and marks the limit of harbour pilot duties.
Pilot: Compulsory, with certain limited exemptions as stipulated by the PNA. On arrival/departure the port pilot embarks/disembarks in the roads, also known as the Common (Pilotage) Zone, which is close to La Plata Roads. If required, an exception can be made to the above for a vessel proceeding upriver via Mitre Channel whereby, to save time, a vessel may be swung with tug assistance at the entrance to the channel at Km 12. The port pilot embarking/disembarking by the tug.
Since this alternative is expensive, most vessels proceeding upriver via the Mitre Channel do so via the Common Zone, even though this entails steaming extra distance.
River pilots engaged to assist the vessel on passage to and from upriver ports, take/hand over from/to the port pilot at Common Zone (or exceptionally at Km 12 as indicated above). These pilots usually embark/disembark alongside at Buenos Aires but may do so at Common Zone if convenient.
Anchorages: Rada Exterior del Puerto de Buenos Aries lies between the lightbuoys at Km 25 and 37 and clear of the dredged channel; it has depths of 5.8m to 7.9m. 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 draft.
Tidal range and flow: Range 1.52m to 0.15m.
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.
Dock density: 1000.
Weather: Prevailing winds: W'ly.
Principal navigation aids: Power Station with 4 Chimneys (34°37.6'S  58°20.3'W).
Charts: BA 1751, 1749, 3561; Arg 116, 118, 155, 156. Admiralty Pilot NP5, NP286(5).
Traffic schemes: There is a Traffic Control and Safety System (CONTRASE) which is compulsory for foreign vessels over 24m LOA.
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 55°59.5'W (nr Practicos Recalada Lt float).
35°10.3'S 56°17.3'W (nr paired Lt Buoys No 1).
35°10.1'S 56°31.6'W (nr paired Lt Buoys No 5).
Paired Lt Buoys No 23.
Paired Lt Buoys No 30.
Lt Buoy Km 57.
Canal de Acceso al Puerto de Buenos Aires: VHF Ch 09.
Lt Buoy Km 37.
Lt Buoy Km 11.
Canal Emilio Mitre: VHF Ch 72.
Lt Buoy Km 12.
Lt Buoy Km 18.5.
Lt Buoy Km 40.5.
Lt Buoy Km 56.1.
Canal Costanero: VHF Ch 72.
Approaches to Rio Parana Guazu and Rio Uruguay: VHF Ch 14 or 81.
Lt Buoy Km 38.
N end of Barra de San Pedro.
Punta Martin Chico.
Lt Buoy Km 121.5.
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:
Lt Buoy Km 37 (if bound for Canal de Acceso al Puerto de Buenos Aires).
Lt Buoy Km 38 (if bound for Barra del Farallon).
Lt Buoy Km 57 (If bound for Paso Banco Chico).
Entrance to Puerto de la Plata: Vessel should report upon entering port including name, call sign, ETA and place of berthing.
Before shifting anchorage or berth or moving with in port a vessel should obtain permission.
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 4 hours, on account 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.
New Port, North Basin and Anteport approaches: Speed within approach channels, Km 1 to Km 15, must not exceed 7.5kn and, within port limits, 3kn.
Entry, departure or shifting drafts: 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.
South Dock: Maximum beam 32m. and sailing at night not permitted for vessels over 28m beam. Compulsory 2 tugs on entrance and 2 tugs on sailing.
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.
Mooring information: 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, draft 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. Vessel using small cane fenders or similar are liable to be fined. In the case of the New Port terminals, all have suitable fenders on the quay as also does the Exolgan Terminal.
Rat guards: All mooring lines are required to be fitted with rat guards of 80cm diameter. Non compliance incurs fines.

Berths and Cargo

Names/Nos: Puerto Nueva:
TERMINALS No 1 & 2 (CONTAINER TERMINALS):
Operators: Terminales Rio de la Plata (TRP).
The terminal is capable of handling 478,500teu annually with a projected annual capacity of 1,000,000teu.
All Basin "A", pierhead No 2, Basin "B" South and West sides plus adjacent area W of berths. Total 28ha.
Dock length: 1,813m.
Berths:
Pier 1 (ex Basin A, S side): Length 365m (2 berths), depth alongside 9.4-10.0m, 2 portal cranes.
Pier 2 (ex Basin B, S side): Length 450m (2 berths), depth alongside 10.0-10.6m, 3 portal cranes.
Additional Berths, (ex Basin A, N side - Section 1 and 2): Length 235m, depth alongside 9.4-10.3m.
Berth No 10 (ex Basin B W side): Length 151m, depth alongside 10.0-10.6m, 1 x 35t mobile crane. Berth reserved for transhipment barges, feeder services.
Pierhead No 2: A new quay front has been constructed in the quay face to a depth of 14m.
TERMINAL No 3 (Multipurpose terminal for containers, general cargo, Ro-Ro, cars and passenger vessels):
Operators: Terminales Portuarias Argentinas (TPA).
Basin "B" N side, Pierhead No 3, Basin "C" S side plus area immediately W of berths (total 16ha).
Dock length: 1,397m
Berths:
Basin "B" N side: Length 535m (3 berths, B5, B6 and B7), depth alongside 9.70m. Berth B5 has a dockside warehouse which has been converted to a passenger terminal. Berth B6 is an open quay. Berth B7 requires repairs at its eastern end. No cranes.
Pierhead No 3: Length 240m, depth alongside 9.70m. No cranes.
Basin "C" S side: Length 585m (3 berths as container berths), depth alongside 9.70m.
TERMINAL No 4 (Multipurpose terminal for all types of cargo):
Operators: Terminal 4 SA (Gabriel y Cia - MAERSK)
Basin "C" W and N sides plus adjacent area W of berths. Additionally these operators control Emcyn Grain Terminal concession on N side and Emcyn storage parking space nearby on Av R Castillo.
Dock length: 750m.
Berths:
Basin C, Westside: Length 179+25=204m. The 25m at the northern end is slightly angled and forms a right angle with C northern side No 1 Berth thereby facilitating bow-stern Ro-Ro operations at the berth. Depth of 10m.
Basin C Northside: Length 300m (vessels can occupy part of Emcym berth as required). Depth 10m.
EMCYM GRAIN TERMINAL Situated at the eastern end of Basin "C" N side (ex C.N.3) and for all practical purposes is a continuation of Terminal No 4. Length 200m, vessels can occupy part of Terminal No 4.
TERMINAL TERBASA (Grain Terminal):
Operators: Terminales Buenos Aires SA.
Basin "D" S side, Pierhead No 4 together with grain elevator and adjacent truck parking space/railway sidings.
Berths:
Basin "D" S side Berths No 1 and 2. The terminal has a 585m. Berth No 1 suitable for vessels up to 250m LOA. Vessels of up to 220m LOA can load without shifting. Depth alongside 9.4m.
Pierhead No 4: Length 300m, depth alongside. It was reported that the water depth was dredged to 10.0m). Berth is normally not used by vessels working cargo but has been used occasionally to discharge bulk fertilisers using ship's gear/grabs to trucks.
TERMINAL No 5 (Container terminal):
Operators: BACTSSA (Buenos Aires Container Services SA).
Basin "D" W side, N side, Pierhead No 5 together with adjacent areas W of berth including Wilson and Ericson (ex AGP) container storage area, total 21.5ha.
Dock length 885m
Berths:
Basin "D" W side (1 berth), length 190m, depth alongside 8.55m.
Basin "D" N side (2 berths), length 495m, depth alongside 9.45m.
Pierhead No 5 (1 berth) length 210m, depth alongside 9.10m, no cranes available.
Puerto Sur:
EAST BASIN, BASINS NO 1 & 2: Basins No 1 & 2 are principally occupied by dry dock and ship repair installations. Part of the East Basin is used by small craft which are laid up or awaiting orders.
SOUTH BASIN: Has a terminal for passenger ferry services to Colonia and Montevideo and a terminal belonging to Naval Transport Command, used by naval vessels of limited draft serving ports on the Patagonian coast. The basin is also used by other small craft, dredgers, etc, laid-up, bunkering, storing or awaiting orders.
GAS CARRIER TERMINAL: Operated by YPF-Repsol-Gas. The basin is 520m x 160m and is protected by breakwaters on both N and S sides. A finger pier is at the centre of the basin lying in an 035°/215° direction, length 280m, vessels can berth on both sides with bows out. The central mooring platform is 31m x 21m with berthing/mooring dolphins spaced at 42m intervals for the length of the pier. Two mooring buoys are laid out 200m to the S of the central mooring platform for use in bad weather. Depth alongside is 9.14m. Largest vessel to use the terminal was 220m LOA and 45,000dwt.
TANKER BASIN, known as Darsena de Inflamables - DDI. Shell operate berths A1, A and B; YPF-Repsol operate berths C and F and Depsa Berth E. The basin consists of 2 parts:

Limitations at Shell berths as follows:
A1 (A Prima):
Max LOA 254m
Max beam 40m
Deadweight 70,000
Depth alongside 9.0m
A:
Max LOA 210m
Max beam 33m
Deadweight 66,000
Depth alongside 9.0m
B:
Max LOA 200m
Max beam 33m
Deadweight 50,000
Depth alongside 8.5m
Loading/discharging rates vary with product, eg crude has a max 2,000m3/hr; gas oil 600m3/hr. Limitations regarding LOA and beam at YPF-Repsol and Depsa berths in inner basin depend on what other vessels are operating or expected and is agreed between operators. Vessels up to LOA 230m, 55,000dwt have berthed. All vessels are required to berth bows out and operators should be consulted regarding pumping capacities, operational details and max drafts.
DOCK SUD SECTION ONE: All vessels required to berth bows out, unless special Coastguard permission to the contrary is given. Entrance is approx 75m in width, eastern side of protecting entrance arms have recently been demolished to give easier access to large vessels. Width is 90m, except in way of the turning basin where approx width is 200m for 387m length.
West side: Exoglan Container Terminal. Operated by Roman - HPC. A privately owned terminal. The quay frontage is 1,000m, allowing 3 vessels to operate with gantry cranes and another from quay. Depth alongside, 9.70-11.90m. Max LOA 210m, vessels with LOA of 204m have berthed. Max beam 40m.
DOCK SUD ,SECTION TWO: Entrance width 90m, length 986m, all vessels berth bows out.
East side: Occupied by 9 "T"-head jetties (A1, A to F) fitted for petroleum products, chemicals and fats with adjacent storage tanks and pipelines of various companies. Discharging and loading rates vary considerably depending on product and prevailing conditions. Pier operators should be consulted. All berths fitted with water pipelines for fire fighting, foam and floating oil containment barriers. PNA (Coast guard) has fire-fighting unit stationed at the turning basin, S side.
West side: Section 8 used by sand barges. Sections 9 to 14 available for general cargo, fruit, bulk grab operations and also grain from a new elevator at section 13 (16,000t storage capacity). Depths alongside section 2 berths range from 7.30/7.90m and vessels enter on high tide of 1-1.20m with draft around 8.5m or even 9.1m (FW). It must be noted that this is an old, more obsolete section of the port. Tankers operated by Shell and, to a certain extent, by YPF-Repsol and Depsa have transferred their operations to the newer Tanker Basin (Darsena de Inflamables). Cargo vessels also use berths on the western side when more suitable berths are not available elsewhere. Vessels up to approx 175m LOA normally use Section Two berths but vessels exceeding this LOA have also been operated.
East Basin: Power station is located approximately 0.9km away from the Southern channel, on the true bearing 071°/251° offering a berthing quay side of 260m. Fuel for New Port power station, brought in when required by tankers berthing directly alongside at pier head No 5. A crane with 16mt S.W.L capacity is fitted at the station.
Abbreviations used above:
FCL = full container load; LCL = less than container load; CFS = container freight station (bonded warehouse for stuffing, unstuffing LCLs with reception and delivery of customs controlled general cargo); CSA = container storage area (repaved and/or reinforced especially for the purpose); CSA-GCSA = non specified container or general cargo stowage area anywhere within the terminal; CD = container depot offering repairs, maintenance, cleaning, washing and storage of empty containers.
Caution with depths: Depths alongside are datum depths given by terminal operators. Masters and agents should consult PNA and pilots for actual depths which are possibly less due to silting.
Facilities: TERMINAL 1 & 2: Five portal cranes, 16 x transtainers, 1 x 35t railed crane, 14 mobile container cranes (2 reach stackers and 12 heavy duty forklifts), 7 empty container handlers, 22 x 7-2.5t forklifts, 22 tractors, 23 trailers
reefer plugs: 432.
TERMINAL NO 3: Two portal cranes, 2 transtainers, 2 mobile cranes, 3 portal cranes for breakbulk, 7 mobile container cranes (5 reach stackers and 2 top loaders), 16 yard trucks, various forklifts, 12 tractors, 22 trailers reefer plugs: 200.
TERMINAL NO 4: Two mobile crane, 10 top loaders, 6 reach stackers, various forklift trucks, 4 hoppers, 15 grabs reefer plugs 160.
EMCYM GRAIN TERMINAL: Two transtainers, 5 mobile cranes, 3 portal cranes for breakbulk, 7 mobile container cranes (5 reach stackers and 2 top loaders), 12 x 2.5-16t forklifts, 12 tractors, 22 trailers and 320 reefer points.
TERMINAL TERBASA: Five x 27-300t mobile cranes, 6 x 7.5-42t (20ft and 40ft) mobile container cranes, 29 x 2-15t motor driven trimmers and 100 reefer plugs.
TERMINAL 5: Basin D N side: Cranes 3 x 45t quayside gantry (container) outreach 35m, 1 x 45t quayside gantry (Post Panamax).
Four portal cranes, 7 transtainers, 5 mobile cranes, 2 side loaders, 7 container cranes, 10 mobile container cranes and 450 reefer plugs. Various cranes, 9 transtainers, 8 x 41t reach stackers, 5 x 10t side lifters, 3 top loaders, 24 yard tractors, 28 trailers, reefer plugs 480.
EXOLGEN CONTAINER TERMINAL: 3 x 45/50t dockside gantry (container) cranes, 1 x 50/70t (Post Panamax), 15 transtainers, 3 top loader container stackers, 4 x 8t forklift trucks, 1 x 7.5t forklift trucks, 10 x 2.5t forklift trucks, 4 spreaders and 300 reefer plugs.
Stevedoring companies operating outside terminals have sufficient equipment for their needs and a number of mobile cranes of varying lifting capacities are available for hire.
Floating cranes: The following are usually available, but prior consultation in good time is essential due to possible need to re-commission the craft. With regard to weights to be lifted the cranes outreach for such weight should be carefully checked:
AGP (government department) floating crane, 250t SWL, requires a tug. Magnus VI floating crane, 400t SWL, requires a tug. Magnus IX floating crane, 500t SWL, requires a tug. Satecna floating crane, 500t SWL, requires a tug.
Storage: TERMINALS 1 & 2: Warehouses 12,000m2, open storage 80,000m2 and 3,664teu ground slots (full containers), also 3ha storage area for 3,400teu (empty containers).
TERMINAL NO 3: Warehouse capacity of 61,500m2, covered area for reception LCLs, general cargo and/or up to 2,500 cars
CD facilities, as required, available at terminal.
CY/CSA: To accommodate 3,700teu.
GCSA: 12,500m2 for general cargo.
Delivery and reception of FCLs directly alongside vessel's berth and LCLs at terminal CFS.
TERMINAL NO 4: Warehouse with 2,300m2 covered area on 2 floors converted to bonded warehouses.
CD facilities available as required.
CSA paved, reinforced storage area for approx 800 containers with additional unpaved space for containers, cars or general cargo to the W of the berth.
EMCYM GRAIN TERMINAL: Storage area on AV. R Castillo: Fitted with weighbridge. Available for empty container storage or parking for 50 grain trucks or trailers.
TERMINAL TERBASA: A warehouse with an area of 3,500m2 is available.
There is parking for approx 200 trucks with a discharge rate up to 700tph and railway sidings for approx 100 railcars with a discharge rate up to 800tph.
TERMINAL 5: Additional container storage areas adjacent to ex Plazoleta Wilson.
CFS: Bonded warehouse with 7,700m2 covered area with closed circuit television surveillance. The terminal is self sufficient and all FCLs/LCLs whether import or export can be handled on premises. Adjacent to CFS additional warehousing of 4,500m2 covered area is available for storage of goods that have been cleared by customs.
CSA: There are 208,000m2 for approx 6,600teu.
CD: All facilities available on premises.
EXOLGAN CONTAINER TERMINAL: CFS/bonded warehouse 13,500m2 covered area permitting tailgate loading-discharging to-from trucks.
CY/CSA: Capacity for 10,000teu. Storage area part paved and operations in hand to complete paving. Empty container yard for 6,000 units.
CD: Ample facilities for all empty container operations.
Reception and distribution centre of 22ha with 36,000m2 of covered warehousing.
Cargo: Solid bulk cargoes:
Grain: Direct from TERBASA (ex National Grain Board) elevator at Basin "D" S side or from Emcyn elevator at Basin "C" N side. Loading rate of 7,500tph of grain, by products 5,500t/800tph. In cases of congestion it is occasionally loaded from barges or from trucks via portable conveyor belts.
Agricultural by-products: As above, but principally from Emcyn. Loading by trucks and portable conveyor belts is quite common.
Sugar: Loaded by portable conveyor belts from trucks at open berths.
Fertilisers and soda ash: Discharged by grabs to trucks, very occasionally to barges.
Scrap metal: By buckets/trays to trucks.
Liquid bulk cargoes:
Vegetable oils: From storage tanks in Basin "E" and South Dock section 2. Also by road tankers at open quay berths.
Wine: From storage tanks in Basin "E", also by road tankers.
Petroleum products: At South Dock section 2 and New Oil Basin.
Liquid gas products: At Gas Carrier Terminal, South Dock.
Chemical products: Practically all at South Dock section 2, otherwise at Basin "E" (principally caustic soda).
Ballast/slop reception: Slops can usually be dealt with at oil terminals but should be checked beforehand. At general cargo berths a limited service is available subject to prior consultation.

General

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, cabon dioxide gas bottles, fire extinguishers, smoke detectors available from recognised firms.
Electric power: In case of generator breakdown on board, power can be supplied from ashore, either from port installations or by hiring portable generators.
Docking facilities: Dry docking installations in the port of Buenos Aires, 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 floating docks and graving dock are not currently in use.
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 on the sill is approximately 5.79m.
Bunkers/water/stores: Fresh water: Previously available at all New Port and North Basin berths 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 South Dock 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.
Bunkers: All grades of bunkers and lub oils available provided sufficient advance notice is given.
Stores: Available in any quantity.
Medical facilities: 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.
Consuls: Most counties represented.
Public holidays: Jan 1, Holy Thursday, Holy Friday, May 1, May 25, June 20, Jul 9, Aug 17, San Martin de Tours Nov 11, Dec 8 and 25.
Working hours: Normally 0700-1300hrs and 1300-1900hrs. Overtime available.
Developments: It is reported (September 2005) that approval is to be given for the long awaited dredging of the approach channels to 100m width and 9.7m depth.
Buenos Aires Container Terminal has ordered four RTGs for delivery in summer 2006. The RTGs will be capable of stacking containers more than five high.
Surveyors: Lloyd's Register, American Bureau of Shipping, Buerau Veritas, Germanischer Lloyd and other classification societies are located in Buenos Aires.
Recreation: Hotel accommodation at all levels is available.
Officials and visitors: Permits issued by PNA or terminal operators are necessary in order to visit vessels in port and agents should be consulted. Crew members are required to carry their Argentine identity cards when ashore.
Fumigation: A number of firms are available who specialise in the fumigation of cargoes or ship's holds and accommodation.

• Tanker Berths

• Port Service Addresses

Business to Business Forum » International Trade Forums » For Exporters » Sea Ports

For Exporters - Trade Events Forum - Online Business - Avoiding Online Fraud - Forex/Currency - General Business - Africa - Asia - Central and South America - Europe - Middle East - North America - Oceania

About Us | Contact Us | FAQ | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Tell Your Friends | Resources | Sitemap
Copyright © 2008, The Bridgat.com. All rights reserved. More Countries