The International Maritime Organization (IMO), in an effort to increase safety at sea, has developed the VGM in shipping Code, which reduces the risk of transportation of laden containers due to overweight and applies to the global scope of maritime transportation.
Definition of VGM in shipping and new regulations
Definition of VGM in shipping
VGM in shipping is fully known as the weight of the appropriate container, the official standard English name “Verified Gross Mas”, the industry is customarily called “container weighing re-regulation”.
VGM is the requirement to verify the gross weight of the container. It is a commitment to safety. Container gross weight misreporting will make the internal and external personnel, inland and marine cargo and equipment are at risk, and may lead to accidents, and the verification of the gross container weight (VGM) provisions are designed to reduce the occurrence of such accidents.
New regulations for VGM in shipping
- Shippers need to provide the weight of the container;
- There are two approved weighing methods used to determine the weight of the container;
- Terminal operators must ensure that the weight of the container has been verified before boarding the vessel.SOLAS Convention stipulates the responsibility of submitting VGM, SOLAS stipulates that the SHIPPER shown on the bill of lading (or a third party commissioned by it) is responsible for submitting the VGM in shipping data, and the SHIPPER bears all the responsibilities.
VGM in shipping related video:
VGM in shipping information includes
- Booking No. or B/L No.;
- Container No;
- Verified Gross Mass (VGM);
- Weight Scale (MT/KGS/LBS);
- Signature (Responsible Party);
- Authorized Person.
VGM Weighing Method Weighing Method I
Overall weighing method. Weighing the whole container after the loading of the container is completed;
Weighing Method II
Totalization method. Weighing all goods and articles in the container individually, plus the tare weight of the container; if there is additional loading equipment, it must also be included in the calculation.
Specific calculation of the cumulative method in VGM
- Step 1: Calculate the weight of the cargo The weight of the components of the proposed cargo load is obtained by adding the individual component weights. The weight of the bulk cargo can be calculated during the production process by means of a graduated filling machine or by weighing the cargo as a whole.
- Step 2: Calculation of the weight of the package The weight of the package can be obtained from the manufacturer of the packaging material.
- Step 3: Calculation of the weight of pallets, tie-downs and linersThe weight of pallets, tie-downs and liners can be obtained from the manufacturer.
- Step 4: Calculate the tare weight of the empty container The shipper should use the tare weight shown on the container body.
- Step 5: Calculate the gross weight of the loaded container at.
Possible errors and handling
Possible errors
In the above calculation method, the total gross weight obtained by adding different weights will change. For example, the weight of wooden pallets, liners and baffles may vary depending on the humidity of the air.
All weighing equipment used to determine the weight of each individual component, empty boxes and cargo components tare weight of the slightest difference will lead to changes in weight.
Handling of errors
Shipper provided by the verified weight and the maritime administration, the carrier ship, the carrier or terminal operator to obtain the container verified weight of the error range between the weight shall not exceed ± 5% or 1 ton (both take the lesser).
There is a potential deviation in the method of determining the certified weight of a laden container and the shipper’s internal controls should document this deviation.
Notwithstanding a potential deviation in the certified weight of a laden container, the shipper shall not breach the requirements of the amendments to the Safety Convention with respect to its duty to accurately obtain the certified weight of a laden container.
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