Tuesday, August 4th 2026 - 06:21 UTC
The disruption particularly affects Greater Rosario, the country's main agricultural export corridor
Around 140 vessels were waiting on Monday to enter or leave Argentine ports after maritime pilots stopped accepting new assignments in protest at a decree deregulating their profession. The figures come from industry sources; some reports put the number above 150.
Pilots advise ship captains during entry and departure maneuvers on rivers, canals and at ports. Their involvement is mandatory for much of Argentina's commercial navigation because of the characteristics of port approaches and of the Paraná waterway.
The disruption particularly affects Greater Rosario, the country's main agricultural export corridor, and the terminals at Campana, Dock Sud, Arroyo Seco, Bahía Blanca, San Lorenzo and Santa Cruz, from which much of the country's fuel is distributed. It also reaches Caleta Córdova, in Chubut, a transfer point for crude oil headed to refineries. A vessel assigned to the Vaca Muerta Oil Sur project was left outside its berth, unable to dock. The Argentine Chamber of Energy warned that the unavailability of pilots could create supply difficulties.
