The International Maritime Organisation IMO has amended the Safety of Life at Sea Convention (SOLAS) to require, as a condition for loading a packed container onto a ship for export, that the container has a verified gross weight,that is certified and accurate.”

The above regulation will be effective as at 1 July 2016. The shipper/representative agent will be responsible for obtaining & providing the Verified Gross Mass (VGM).

There are two methods that are prescribed by SOLAS :

Method 1 : Weighing the container after it has been packed (Weighbridge)

Method 2 : Weighing all the cargo and contents of the container and adding those weights to the container tare weight as indicated on the door of the container.

Certified & calibrated weighing equipment must be used for either method. The shipper will sign off shipping documents with the VGM specified. Estimating of weights will not be permitted.

Many thanks,

The Captain

Cardinal Maritime SA Pty Ltd