Verified Gross Mass (VGM)

From transporting unconventionally shaped machinery to over-sized equipment, we have the expertise and containers for your specific needs.

For the safety during transit, these goods are subject to specific regulations and are handled with utmost care.

Business should not be constrained by the type of containers in which the products can be packed.

Verified Gross Mass (VGM) is the combined weight of the cargo including dunnage and bracing plus the tare weight of its container.

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.

All weighing equipment and devices used must meet the applicable accuracy standards and requirements of the state in which the equipment is being used, per IMO Guidelines.

- Weighing the container after the cargo has been packed. The shipper may weigh the packed container by using calibrated and certified equipment.

- Weighing all the cargo and contents of the container and summing that weight with the container’s tare weight, indicated on the door end of the container.

In compliance with SOLAS VGM regulation by IMO and also customs requirement of various countries, it is necessary matching between VGM vs BL Container Gross Weight.

For all locations

• BL & Manifest Container Gross Weight MUST match with VGM
• General tolerance level is +/- 5% or one metric ton whichever smaller
• Different countries / terminals may have different tolerance index
• VGM and Container Gross Weight should not exceed Maximum Gross Weight per CSC
  Plate bolted to Container Door
• Any incompliance may lead to extra operational costs, customs penalties, local
  charges and our Line Administration Fee

Basis IMO NOTICE ON 23rd MAY – (attached) below is extracted for your easy reference.

MSC.1Circ.1548_Advice.pdf

Quote:

The Committee agreed that Administrations and port State control authorities should adopt a practical and pragmatic approach when verifying compliance with the requirements of SOLAS regulations VI/2.4 to VI/2.6, for a period of three months after 1 July 2016, with a view to:

1. Permitting packed containers that are loaded on a ship before 1 July 2016 and are transshipped on or after 1 July 2016 to be shipped to their final port of discharge without the VGM specified in SOLAS regulations VI/2.4 to VI/2.6; and

2.Providing flexibility to all the stakeholders in containerized transport to refine, if necessary, procedures for documenting, communicating and sharing VGM information.

Unquote:

“NO VGM, NO LOADING” with effective 1st July 2016 at first loading port

The shipper on Ocean Bill of Lading is responsible to provide valid VGM to ocean carrier and/or port terminal, for complying SOLAS regulations and local requirement of ocean carrier and port terminal.

VGM should be signed by either the shipper or a person duly authorized by the shipper.

- Shipper may weigh the packed container by using calibrated and certified equipment. The scale, weighbridge, lifting equipment or other devices used to verify the gross mass of the container must meet the applicable accuracy standards and requirements of the State in which the equipment is being used, per IMO Guidelines.

- Shipper may weigh all packages and cargo items, including the mass of pallets, dunnage and other packing and securing material to be packed in the container, and add the tare mass of the container to the sum of the single masses of the container’s content. Weighing equipment must meet the applicable accuracy standards and requirements of the State in which the equipment is being used, per IMO Guidelines.

Various local authorities, ports and terminals are putting full effort to evaluate the appropriate procedures and time frame for VGM compliance. Our local offices are also closely liaising with these parties for the latest update to your good companies. Please coordinate with our local offices for any necessary support on VGM submission.