All shippers must comply with this mandatory container weight verification, by providing accurate and relevant information to both the carrier and container terminal operator prior to the cargo being loaded onto a vessel.
HPH group managing director Eric Ip said: “As the world’s leading port operator that handles 12% of global container trade, we fully support this regulation as safety is a priority in our operations. We are committed to helping our customers comply with this regulation and are collaborating with the shipping community and local authorities to ensure a seamless transition and full compliance before the enforcement date.”
HPH has been actively working on the internal alignment of processes and guidelines, as well as system enhancements across different business units, to minimise disruptions in the supply chain when the regulation enters into force.
HPH can provide various services to help its clients in meeting compliance, including proper handling of all export containers entering into its container terminals from both land and sea, with and without VGM, by various means; proper storage and transmission of VGM records for related stakeholders; robust process and systems to prevent the loading of containers onto vessels without VGM.
The major global port operator added that the provision of container weighing services through different cost-effective means will be offered by the majority of HPH container terminals, depending on local needs and commercial arrangements, with the aim of helping the various stakeholders to meet the SOLAS compliance.
However, the actual enforcement of SOLAS compliance will be the prerogative of the local authorities and the terminal operators will work under the conditions that are established, it pointed out.
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