It served Argentina's foreign trade until the 1990s, when the government of Carlos Menem declared its dissolution.

During the 1960s a fleet renewal plan was put in place, giving priority to constructions in Argentine shipyards.

en Ensenada/BsAs a series of six ships were built: Almirante Storni, Neuquén II, Libertador General José de San Martín, Dr Atilio Malvagni, President Ramón S. Castillo and General Manuel Belgrano.

Then a series of three ships: Buenos Aires II, Córdoba and La Pampa in ASTARSA again.

ELMA was dismantled during the 1990s as part of president Carlos Menem's 1990s state reform laws.