Argentina's Puerto Comodoro Rivadavia launches salvage and dismantling procedure for grounded fishing vessel "Ambition"

The port authority of Puerto Comodoro Rivadavia (APPCR) has initiated salvage, removal and dismantling proceedings for the fishing vessel "BP Ambition" (registration No. 01324). The vessel, a fresh-fish fishing boat, is currently grounded and partially sunk at the west pier of this Chubut province port.

The port authority said the decision was taken because of the vessel's deteriorated condition and prolonged idleness, with its current state posing a danger to navigation, port operations and the environment.

The procedure was formalized through a notice published in the Official Gazette of the Argentine Republic since October 19, with the last publication scheduled for October 21. The notice states that on October 2, the port authority informed the Argentine Coast Guard, via Note APPCR No. 174/26, of its intention to remove the vessel entirely.

The "Ambition" is a fresh-fish fishing vessel with a record of catching Argentine hake (Merluccius hubbsi). According to official records, in 2012 the vessel was allocated an individual transferable catch quota (CITC) for Argentine hake of 0.09821%, corresponding to 268.1 tonnes that year.

The intervention is based on Article 389 of Navigation Law No. 20.094, which requires authorization from the maritime authority for salvage, extraction, removal or dismantling operations of vessels in waters under Argentine jurisdiction.

The notice identifies Miguel Alfredo Mullins as the registered holder of the "Ambition" and advises other interested parties that they may file objections with the Coast Guard of Puerto Comodoro Rivadavia within 30 days from the date of the last publication.

Once that period expires, if no objections are filed or any objections filed are found to be unfounded, the maritime authority may grant the requested authorization and set the conditions for carrying out the operations.

The costs of extraction, removal and dismantling will initially be borne by the port authority, which reserves the right to subsequently seek reimbursement from the vessel owner.

The notice was signed by Alejandro C. Anglesio, general manager of Puerto Comodoro Rivadavia.

Through this action, the port authority seeks to resolve the long-term occupation of a port infrastructure area by an out-of-service fishing vessel whose condition is regarded as risky. The actual removal will depend on completion of the legal process and authorization from the Coast Guard.