Chemical Tanker Ran Aground in the Paraná River Near San Pedro

According to local sources, the Argentina-flagged chemical tanker Paulino C grounded near San Pedro early in the morning on 11 November. The vessel was sailing downstream from La Plata when it ran aground just south of the port area.

Officials from the San Pedro Port Management Consortium told Somos Noticias San Pedro that personnel from the Argentine Naval Prefecture (PNA) were immediately deployed to oversee the response and coordinate assistance. The Paulino C, built in 2010, is owned and operated by National Shipping SA.

Successful Salvage Operation

Specialised tugboats were mobilised to refloat the tanker and ensure it could be moved safely. Authorities emphasised that the grounding did not disrupt maritime traffic at the port of San Pedro.

The PNA and port authorities monitored the situation closely until the vessel was successfully freed, with the operation completed without injuries or pollution. ShipAtlas data indicates that the tanker has since reached its downstream destination in Campana, where it is now moored and loading cargo.

A Critical Artery for Argentina’s Maritime Trade

The Paraná River, where the incident occurred, is one of South America’s busiest commercial waterways and a vital export corridor for Argentina. It carries a significant share of the country’s grain, oilseed, fertilizer, and petroleum product shipments, linking inland production hubs to deep-sea ports along the Río de la Plata.

Its narrow channels, shifting sediment, and dense vessel traffic frequently challenge navigation, particularly for larger bulkers and tankers serving the industrial zones of San Lorenzo, Rosario, and San Pedro. As such, even minor incidents along this route attract attention due to the river’s central