Pandi Liquidadores S.R.L. has reported that there has been an increasing amount of groundings taking place in the Parana River in Argentina.
The groundings in the Parana River are not infrequent, and it usually is an average of 15 per year. However, in 2024, there was an increase in the groundings, with 21 reported along the Parana River. The reason for each vessel running aground vary from case to case, while most of them are caused by an error in navigation by the Pilot or Master.
Moreover, the statistics show that 50% of the groundings in the Parana River were refloated by their own means, 47% by the assistance of tugs and 3% required a salvage or lightering operation. Due to the soft mud in most of the River Plate Basin (including Parana River), often, there are no reported damages to the vessels.
In 2025 there have been two groundings which sustained severe damage:
- one at Km 318 of the Parana River which lost its rudder; and
- another one, in Km 64.8 Martin Garcia Channel (River Plate) with rocky bottom.
There have been a number of groundings in a new stretch known as “Fighiera” near Km 390 Parana River, where it seems that the bottom presents clay and tuff, which is relatively hard, compared to the usual soft bottom of sand and mud, found in most of the Parana River. This made the refloating more challenging than usual, but did not cause damage to the vessel.
Pandi Liquidadores suggests to the Master to discuss and review ship’s navigation plan with the Pilot to ensure that both parties agree on all the sections of the River and route to be followed.
There have been cases where there have been changes in the navigation channel to be followed, which did not appear reflected in ship’s electronic charts but yes in Pilot’s chartering systems, leading to confusion on the route being followed and groundings thereafter.
In addition, the Coast Guard has been informed which would most likely commence an Administrative Enquiry against the vessel (Master and/or Owners and/or other crew that could have been involved) that may result with a fine of up to a max. about US$ 50,000 equivalent to Units of Fine 200,000 yearly updated the rate per Units of Fine, if the Coast Guard found that the Master and those enquired were in breach to any regulation or somehow negligent or “professionally” liable to the incident.
