The Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Amendment will start on Friday 1st July 2016 and will affect all shippers, who are required to communicate the verified gross mass of their packed containers prior to delivery of the container to quay.
The incorrect declaration of container weight is a risk to on-and offshore personnel, to cargo and to equipment, on land and at sea. Leading to accidents, which the Verified Gross Mass (VGM) requirement aims to reduce.
At DKT Allseas we are well prepared to assist our customers in meeting the new global safety requirements. We are committed to making the process as easy as possible for you.
Who will be responsible for the VGM submission?
The ‘Shipper’ named on the ocean Bill of Lading is the party responsible for providing the VGM to the carrier. A VGM needs to be submitted for every container being loaded on the vessel, before the load list cut-off. If the VGM is not provided in due time, the container cannot be loaded.A shipper can authorise a third party to provide the VGM on their behalf.
Will the VGM show on the Bill of Lading?
No, it will not. The VGM is declared separately from the gross cargo weight entered in the Bill of Lading
Is VGM applicable to break-bulk shipment?
No, break-bulk cargoes are exempt from the VGM requirement, unless it is transported in a container.
Will VGM affect pricing in any way?
If shippers’ are unable to provide verified weights an additional service will be provided at the shippers expense
VGM Process & Methods
As a general guidance, the VGM should be received by DKT Allseas prior to the cargo gate cut-off, before containers delivered to quay.