Verified Gross Mass (VGM)
Effective from 1st July 2016, with the SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) amendment covering container weighing regulations, a packed container will no longer be allowed to be loaded on board vessels unless its Verified Gross Mass (VGM) has been provided by the shipper to the ocean carriers and/or port terminal representatives prior to the load list cut-off date.
The new regulation was adopted by the IMO (International Maritime Organization) to increase maritime safety and reduce the dangers to cargo, containers, and all those involved in container transport throughout the supply chain.
The shipper is obliged to verify the gross mass of the containers carrying their cargo by either of two permissible weighing methods before these containers can be loaded on a vessel.
If a container with a gross mass exceeding its maximum permitted limit (the maximum payload) as indicated on the Safety Approval Plate under the International Convention for Safe Containers (CSC), the container will NOT be loaded onto a ship even with the proper VGM documentation.
Method 1: Weighing the Packed Container
The packed and sealed container is weighed using calibrated and certified equipment such as a weighing bridge, a scale, or a weighing lift. The equipment is mostly located at the terminal or outside of the loading port. This is the most straightforward method, ensuring that the weight includes everything inside the container as well as the container’s weight itself.
Method 2: Calculating the Total Weight
Alternatively, the shipper can weigh all individual items and cargo, including packing materials, and then add this to the tare weight of the container. The tare weight can be found on the safety approval or CSC plate. This method is often used when it is difficult or impractical to weigh the packed container. This method will not be practical for shippers of bulk commodities like scrap, grain, etc., and it will be up to local authorities to grant permission to use this method.
The shipper must ensure that the VGM data is reported correctly to the carrier and the used weighing equipment meets the local regulations and standards.
You will find some more detailed reasons below why VGM matters (apart from the fact that your cargo simply will not be shipped if VGM data are missing).
VGM Prevents Overloading: By ensuring that containers do not exceed the maximum allowable weight. VGM reduces the risk of accidents at sea, such as vessels’ instability and capsizing. It also helps prevent issues during loading and unloading such as crane failures and collapsed container stacks.
- Accurate Stowage: Knowing the exact weight of each container allows for better planning of container placement on the vessel, which is essential for maintaining balance and stability of the vessel – especially during higher and rougher tides.
- Streamlined Operations: With accurate and timely weight information, carriers and terminal operators can plan and execute loading operations more efficiently, reducing delays in departure and optimising vessel capacity.
- Minimised Risk of Cargo Damage: Proper weight declaration helps prevent uneven weight distribution, which can cause containers to shift during transit, leading to cargo damage, and ties into the accurate and correct stowage.
- Meeting Legal Requirements: Adhering to SOLAS regulations by providing VGM ensures that shippers remain compliant with international maritime laws, avoiding potential fines or penalties.
- Avoidance of Shipment Delays: Containers without a verified VGM cannot be loaded onto a vessel, leading to potential delays. Accurate VGM reporting ensures smooth shipping operations and on-time deliveries.
WM Logistics (Worldwide) Pte Ltd