Inchcape Shipping Services (ISS) is advising of a change to under keel clearance (UKC) rules on Parana River and River Plate in Argentina.
From 25 November 2016, the Coast Guard has advised that an under keel clearance (UKC) will be applied for vessels which transit Parana River and River Plate with a fresh water draft above 10.36 metres(m). The new restrictions will aid safe navigation.
Parana River
1. Draft between 10.37m to 10.49m, 3 centimetres for each centimetres of draft above 10.36m in addition to the compulsory UKC of 0.60m. For example, for a ship with a draft of 10.49m, additional UKC will be 0.39 m, total UKC will be 0.99m
2. Draft above 10.50m, UKC will be 10% of the static draft. E.g for a ship with a draft of 10.50 m, total UKC will be 1.05m.
River Plate
1. Draft between 10.37m to 10.67m, 1.5 centimetres for each centimetre of draft above 10.36m in addition to the compulsory UKC of 0.60m. E.g for a ship with a draft of 10.67m, additional UKC will be 0.47m, total UKC will be 1.07m.
2. Draft above 10.68m, UKC will be 10% of the static draft. E.g for a ship with a draft of 10.68m, total UKC will be 1.08m.
Until 25 November, the current regulation in force is applicable and a compulsory UKC of 0.60m will be required for drafts up to 10.36m. One additional centimetre must be added for each additional centimetre of draft above 10.36m, up to a maximum of 0.90m in total. A load to a maximum fresh water draft of 10.36m is advised as mandatory from 25 November, particularly for loaded ships going to discharge up river.
ISS Argentina will continue to monitor developments and keep its clients updated.
