Part of Navios South American Logistics' terminal at Nueva Palmira port is expected to be out of commission through early next year as a result of a 16 August fire.
"Local agents say it is expected to be down for at least six months," an official with Agencia Maritime Nasba told TradeWinds today.
The terminal's Pier 4 mineral loading sector has been shut down, but its Pier 1 grain sector is"fully operational" at this time.
The fire began in the facility's conveyor belt before spreading to the whole pier extending more than 100 metres, according to local agents, Nabsa said.
The fire consumed about two-thirds of the 300-metre-long conveyor belt but wind was blowing the smoke to Argentina, preventing the city's evacuation.
Nabsa said the fire resulted in no casualties and local officials are still investigating the cause of the fire and extent of damages to the pier.
"They don't know what caused the fire."
Wintnesses said the incident "looked like a thousand tires were on fire over an iron structure" 20 metres above the water.
Emails to Angeliki Frangou-led parent company Navios Maritime Holdings regarding the fire were not immediately returned.
"They (Navios) might try to keep the information confidential as I guess this is affecting the operations and also the relationship with the union," said Alejandro Vega, an Argentin e lawyer and adjuster.
"This is common sense."
Nueva Palmira, perched on the east bank of the Uruguay River, is home to about 10,000 people. Its port is one of the country's most important areas for imports and exports.
