Falkland Islands Calls or River Plate transits - Argentine Prior Authorisation

Members and assureds who have vessels calling at the Falkland Islands or intending to transit Argentine waters (including the River Plate) should note the circular from Pandi Liquidadores SRL, a correspondent in Argentina, reporting a stricter approach by the Argentine Coast Guard to the enforcement of existing regulations governing vessels trading to or from the Falkland Islands.

Argentine Decree 256/2010 provides that vessels may require prior authorisation where they:

• trade between mainland Argentine ports and the Falkland Islands, South Georgia or the South Sandwich Islands;

• pass through Argentine jurisdictional waters on the way to such destinations; or

• carry cargo directly or indirectly between those locations.

Recent experience, however, involving a vessel sailing from Uruguay, Montevideo, to Falkland Islands, which was served with an infringement notice whilst transiting the River Plate allegedly for failing to obtain the required authorisation, indicates that Argentine authorities may require authorisation requirements to be met even when a voyage to or from the Falkland Islands neither starts nor ends in a mainland Argentine port.

Vessels in breach may face administrative proceedings, fines up to a maximum of 200,000 Fine Units, equivalent to about USD 55,000 as at October 2026, and in some circumstances, detention pending the provision of security.

Members and assureds who have vessels calling at the Falkland Islands or intending to transit Argentine waters should review the details contained in the correspondent’s Circular, consider passage planning where appropriate, and whether the authorisation requirements apply. It may be prudent for vessel owners and operators proceeding to the Falkland Islands or transiting Argentine waters to consider applying for authorisation at least 7 days prior to arrival, whatever the route and port of origin.

For vessels that have called at the Falkland Islands within the last three years without complying with the authorisation requirements and are intending to call at an Argentine port or transit Argentine waters, members and assureds may wish to note the information in the Circular.

Members and assureds requiring specific advice/guidance should contact their usual Club contact for assistance.

The Club continues to monitor developments and will provide further updates as additional information becomes available.

Further information is available in the Circular issued by Pandi Liquidadores SRL, Argentina.