Imagine a massive cargo ship, laden with Brazilian iron ore, slowly navigating the Paraná River before docking at the Port of San Nicolás. This vital Argentine port serves as the lifeline of the nation's steel industry and a crucial node in the global grain market. For businesses seeking a reliable South American trade partner, San Nicolás Port may be the ideal solution.
San Nicolás Port: A Strategic Location in Eastern Argentina
Located on the western bank of the lower Paraná River (33°23'0"S, 60°10'0"W), the Port of San Nicolás (SAN NICOLAS/ARSNS) boasts exceptional geographical advantages. Its well-developed transportation network includes proximity to Buenos Aires Port (188 miles away) and Rosario Airport (142 km away), with daily flights to the capital ensuring efficient cargo movement.
Key Location Facts:
Coordinates: 33°23'0"S, 60°10'0"W
Distance to Buenos Aires Port: 188 miles
Distance to Rosario Airport: 142 km
Time Zone: UTC-3
Dual Economic Engines: Steel and Grain
San Nicolás Port serves as the central hub for Argentina's steel industry, which ranks among South America's leading producers. The port facilitates critical imports of iron ore from Brazil and coking coal from the United States to support domestic steel production. Simultaneously, it functions as a major grain export center, shipping wheat and rapeseed to global markets, including China.
Port Infrastructure and Operational Capabilities
The port features eight main berths with a total quay length of 1,957 meters and maximum water depth of 9.1 meters. Its advanced handling equipment includes:
- Shore cranes
- Mobile cranes (70-ton capacity)
- Heavy-lift cranes (200-ton capacity, 25-meter span)
- Grab cranes
- Conveyor belt systems
Loading/Unloading Efficiency:
- Grain: 4,000 tons per day
- Scrap metal: 250 tons per hour
- Coal: 7,500 tons per day
- Mineral ore: 10,000 tons per day
Direct rail connections to the docks enable seamless intermodal transportation. The port handles diverse cargo including grains, ores, coal, steel products, oil, and general merchandise.
24/7 Operations and Comprehensive Services
San Nicolás Port operates around the clock, including holidays (with 100-200% surcharges for holiday operations). Additional services include:
- Ship repair
- Fuel supply
- Boat services
- Medical facilities
- Tugboat assistance
- Fresh water supply
- Provisioning
- Crew repatriation
Climate and Navigation Conditions
The port experiences a subtropical monsoon climate with:
- Average annual temperature: 16°C (61°F)
- Annual rainfall: 1,000 mm
- Tidal range: 0.9 m
These stable weather conditions allow for year-round operations without significant weather disruptions.
Navigation Details
- Anchorage: 35°10'00"S 56°15'00"W
- Berth depth: 7.3 meters
- Water density: 1,000 kg/m³
- Tides: Negligible variation
- Pilotage: Compulsory
- Radio: VHF channels 38-477 kHz
- Standard working hours: 6:00-18:00 (overtime available)
With its strategic location, robust infrastructure, and efficient operations, the Port of San Nicolás has established itself as Argentina's premier hub for steel and grain commerce. For international traders seeking access to South American markets, this port offers reliable connectivity and operational excellence.