We are pleased to inform you that the Argentine Republic has officially ratified the Nairobi International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks (2007).
Following up on our previous update regarding its legislative debate, the Argentine Congress enacted Law No. 27,812 (as published in the file Ley 28712 Convenio Nairobi 2007. The law was passed on May 20, 2026, and subsequently promulgated on June 12, 2026. With this milestone, what was once a prospective regulatory shift is now an official legal reality in Argentina.
What This Means for Operators Now
As we analyzed in our previous newsletter, the implementation of this Convention introduces strict and immediate statutory duties for shipowners and masters operating in Argentine waters:
- Compulsory Insurance: All vessels of 300 GT or more calling at Argentine ports, operating within its territorial waters, or approaching offshore facilities must maintain specific insurance covering wreck removal liabilities.
- On-Board Certification: Vessels must always carry the corresponding Wreck Removal Certificate (WRC) to avoid operational delays, detentions, or severe financial exposure.
- Strict Reporting & Liability: In the event of a maritime incident, masters or owners face mandatory, immediate reporting obligations regarding the vessel’s condition, cargo, and fuel, alongside direct financial liability for hazardous wreck removal.
At Simonsen, we are fully committed to keeping our clients and the maritime community updated on the latest regulatory developments that impact operations in the region.
To read the full Nairobi Convention, please visit the following link: http://simonsen.com.ar/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Sanción-HSN-50-2.pdf
