Verified Gross Mass (VGM)
In accordance with the IMO SOLAS Convention, every packed container intended for loading onto a vessel must have a Verified Gross Mass (VGM) declared by the shipper before the container is loaded.
The VGM is the total gross mass of the packed container, including cargo, packaging, pallets, dunnage, securing materials and the tare weight of the container.
Two Accepted Methods for Determining VGM
Method 1 – Weighing the Packed Container
The shipper may weigh the fully packed and sealed container using a calibrated and certified weighing facility/equipment.
This method provides the actual gross mass of the complete container at the time of weighing.
Method 2 – Calculation of Cargo + Container Tare
The shipper may calculate the VGM by weighing all cargo items, packaging, pallets, dunnage and securing materials and then adding the container's tare weight.
The calculated VGM must be based on reliable and accurate weight information.
Shipper's Responsibility
The shipper is responsible for providing the correct VGM to Sea Express within the required cut-off time.
The declaration should be based on an actual weighing or a properly calculated gross mass and must be submitted through the designated channel before the applicable VGM cut-off.
The VGM declaration should include:
- Container number
- Verified Gross Mass
- Unit of measurement
- Weighing method – Method 1 or Method 2
- Name of the authorized person submitting the VGM
- Date of declaration
- Booking/reference number, where applicable
Important Operational Requirements
- VGM must be submitted before the container is loaded on board.
- The declared VGM should be accurate and supported by appropriate weighing records where required.
- Estimated, provisional or randomly assigned weights are not acceptable as VGM.
- Where a VGM is not received within the required cut-off, the container may be held back from loading until a valid VGM is received.
- Where there is a significant discrepancy between the declared VGM and the weight determined at the terminal or during operational checks, Sea Express may require the container to be reweighed and the VGM corrected.
- Any additional weighing, handling, storage or related costs arising from incorrect or missing VGM may be for the shipper's account.
- The shipper remains responsible for ensuring that the declared VGM complies with applicable SOLAS requirements and local terminal regulations.
VGM Discrepancy
If the weight determined by the terminal or another authorized weighing facility differs materially from the declared VGM, Sea Express may request clarification and supporting documentation from the shipper.
Where required, the container may be reweighed and the corrected VGM will be used for vessel stowage and loading purposes.
Safety is our priority. Accurate VGM information is essential for safe vessel planning, stowage and container handling throughout the transportation chain.
