The pilots' strike is causing turmoil in Argentina's foreign trade – La Nación | 03/08/26

A strike by maritime pilots triggered by the implementation of Decree 690/2026 caused major disruptions to Argentina’s foreign trade, leaving at least 140 merchant vessels unable to operate. The industrial action was launched in response to reforms to the pilotage system, replacing regulations that had been in force for more than 34 years by opening the sector to competition and allowing market forces to determine service rates. Pilots argue that the new rules jeopardize navigational safety, while the government maintains that the previous system imposed outdated requirements that limited competition and significantly increased operating costs. The decree also establishes that, in exceptional circumstances, the Argentine Naval Prefecture may provide pilotage services itself, request assistance from the Argentine Navy, or temporarily authorize captains holding valid local navigation certificates to perform pilotage duties. According to official sources, pilotage services for vessels calling at Paraná River ports cost between US$50,000 and US$100,000, while pilotage for a Panamax vessel in the Río de la Plata costs US$16,903, figures the government considers substantially higher than those charged at comparable international ports. The Navigation Center warned that 140 ships are already awaiting pilotage confirmation and that the number is expected to grow, while some vessel calls have already been diverted to the Port of Montevideo and ports in southern Brazil, affecting Argentine ports including La Plata, Dock Sud, Buenos Aires, Zárate-Campana, the Up River terminals, Quequén, and Bahía Blanca. The organization stated that the disruption is causing port congestion, paralysis of foreign trade, financial losses from contract breaches, lost revenue, additional operating costs, and reputational damage for Argentina. Meanwhile, the Argentine Chamber of Energy (CADE) reported that port operations involving its member companies have been temporarily suspended at ports including Campana, Dock Sud, Arroyo Seco, Bahía Blanca, San Lorenzo, Sandra Cruz, and Caleta Córdova, impacting both fuel distribution and the transportation of crude oil to refineries. Link to Article