Maritime pilots in Argentina have commenced an indefinite labour strike on 3 August, protesting a decree that deregulates the country's pilotage and pilot services.

The strike consequently prevented ships from entering, departing or transiting through ports, disrupting maritime operations nationwide.

According to local sources, more than 100 vessels are currently delayed while awaiting authorisation to enter or leave Argentine ports.

The strike has affected a range of ports across the country, including Bahía Blanca, Rosario, and Buenos Aires.

Several planned vessel calls and port operations originally scheduled for Argentina have already been redirected to the Port of Montevideo in Uruguay and ports in southern Brazil.

In addition, the lack of available pilots has interrupted fuel-related operations and distribution activities in several locations.

At the time of writing, there are no signs of a resolution and no announcement regarding when the strike may end.

For more information about your shipment, please contact your Kuehne+Nagel representative.