The problem of low water level in the Parana River adjacent to the export terminals of the port of Rosario in Argentina has resulted in reduced loads on vessels and slower transit downstream to the Atlantic.  The susceptibility of the river transport system to shallow draft was highlighted on Friday, July 30th when the bulk carrier Pilatus Venture ran aground.  Until the vessel could be refloated, 60 ships were forced to anchor, losing almost a day of loading.

The Pilatus Venture was carrying 42,500 metric tons of soybean meal for Glencore, bound for Australia. Argentina has intensified dredging activities along the Parana River, which has dropped successively in level over the past few months due to lower inflow of water from highlands in Brazil.