FAQs : SOLAS Container Weight Verification Requirements

On 9th December, the World Shipping Council (WSC), the TT Club, the International Cargo Handling Coordination Association (ICHCA), and the Global Shippers’ Forum (GSF) jointly released a new Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document to address issues arising from the new container weighing regulations due to take effect globally on 1 July 2016. The amendments to the SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) Convention require packed shipping containers to have a verified gross mass (VGM) before they can be loaded on a ship for export.

The amendments were adopted by the IMO (International Maritime Organization) to enhance maritime safety and reduce the dangers to containerships, their crews, and all those involved in container transport throughout the supply chain.  The FAQs have been developed by the industry coalition in response to numerous questions from shippers, carriers, forwarders, and terminal operators about the steps they must take to ensure successful implementation of the new regulations.

This initial FAQs document seeks to clarify how the SOLAS container weight verification requirements will function in various situations.  It identifies commercial and operational arrangements that will have to be addressed, and it flags issues that must be dealt with by national governments.  The FAQs are based on actual questions from affected stakeholders, and they will be expanded as new issues emerge.  Stakeholders are invited to approach any of the collaborating organizations with additional questions that may come up. Contact details of ‘subject-matter experts’ from each of the organizations can be found at the end of the FAQs document.

Container safety is a shared responsibility, and all parties have an interest in improving the safety of ships, the safety of cargo and the reduction of the risks to the lives of ships’ crews and others throughout the containerized supply chain.

The FAQs document can be accessed here

Reference: ttclub.com

Disclaimer :
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. While we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.

In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.

Latest Shipping News You Would Like:

55 Chinese Sailors Presumed Dead After Nuclear Submarine Became Trapped Underwater, According To Sources

Posted on October 4, 2023

According to Western intelligence estimates, 55 Chinese sailors were killed when a nuclear submarine became stuck underwater, however, China denies this.

All Three Of Ukraine’s Major Black Sea Ports Have Reopened To Ships

Posted on October 4, 2023

Despite Russian threats to attack ships sailing to Ukrainian ports, all three of Ukraine’s Black Sea ports have reopened to grain exporting ships.

Four In Court Regarding A €157 million Cocaine Seizure From A Cargo Vessel

Posted on October 4, 2023

In connection with last week’s €157 million narcotics seizure off the Cork Coast, four individuals have made court appearances and have been appropriately charged.

World’s Largest Cruise Ship “Icon Of The Seas” Will Make its Debut in January 2024

Posted on October 4, 2023

The largest cruise ship in the world, the Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas, is nearly finished at Finland’s Meyer Turku shipyard.

Remains Of US Navy Sailor Killed In The Pearl Harbor Attack Identified After 80+ Years

Posted on October 4, 2023

Officials reported this week that a US Navy man killed in the WWII attack on Pearl Harbor has been identified, over 80 years after his death.