Clara-Insignia

After the refloating of the 'Clara Insignia' near Ramallo, ships have again arrived at the ports in the area of influence of Rosario after the Chamber of Port and Maritime Activities had received notification from authorities that ships could go up the Paraná again to the Rosario terminals.. However, they must load less cargo than usual due to dredging tasks carried out in that sector of the river. As the Rosario agricultural port hub is located at kilometer 410 of the Paraná, due to the accident the vessels could not reach the terminals in that area, nor could those that were docked in the Rosario ports return to international waters.

The Paranà River remained snarled on Feb 20 even after the 'Clara Insignia' was freed in the evening of Feb 19 after being stuck for three days, and moored in pos. 33° 21.97' S 060° 07.57' W on Feb 20. The Argentine Naval Prefecture (PNA) and a local port authority said the trunk route near the area of San Nicolas remained totally closed as the authorities carried out studies on the river bed, which meant that cargo ships could not reach or leave the inland farming port hub of Rosario, from where most of the country’s soy, corn and wheat flows down to the sea and around the globe. Once the bathymetry has been finished it would be known if it has to be corrected it with dredging or if tthe passage can be authorized through the sector at kilometer 345 (mile 214). Rosario is further upriver at kilometer 410.

On Feb 17, 2024, the 'Clara Insignia', loaded with 31000 tons of wheat, ran aground in pos. 33° 24.09' S 060° 05.00' W near Tonelero Island, at kilometer 338 of the Paraná River. As the ship got stuck perpendicular on the main channel, it was completely obstructing navigation. The ship had left San Lorenzo heading to the port of Bahía Blanca, where it planne to completeloading operations with its final destination being Peru. On Feb 19, the tugs 'Onatrriunfo' (IMO: 9274604) and 'Benicio S' (IMO: 8014813 ) were working to refloat the vessel. Report with photo: https://sl24.com.ar/barco-varado-interrumpe-la-navegacion-por-la-hidrovia/