The political crisis in Venezuela has in general terms no significant impact on the maritime field, according to an update by the Global P&I Correspondents. The only problems reported relate to a disruption of some bulk cargo discharge due to the unrest impacting the availability of trucks. Vessels have had to reduce discharge rates to a minimum which has resulted in longer stays in port.
To remind, about 26 people were reportedly killed in protest marches last week as a result from a ‘growing discontent’, according to BBC, with the UN warning that the situation could spiral out of control.
Meanwhile, the decision of US President Trump of recognizing Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaidó as the legitimate president of Venezuela was followed by Maduro’s official breaking of diplomatic relations with the US.
Despite the above difficult situation, maritime is still working normally, as most port terminals are state-owned or managed by the government, and commercial ports like Puerto Cabello are state-owned entities whose control have been given to the military authorities.
As far as oil cargoes is concerned, the main port areas like Puerto Cabello, La Guaira, Amuay or Jose terminals are working normally as always and have not been affected much by the protests, which were mainly focused at the capital Caracas and other non-port cities.
The main issue has to do with the operational side, specially related to dry bulk cargoes, as the situation is affecting trucks availability so reducing the discharging rates to a minimum and increasing vessel’s time at port.
As a general advice we highly recommend that ship’s crew take the necessary security steps, remaining on board at all times if possible. Close contact with agents and local correspondents is also advisable, to monitor and update the situation in a particular port or marine terminal. As this is a matter in motion the situation may change suddenly, and so we are monitoring developments to update it as it might be necessary.
