Sponsored By

US FMC calls on lines to use existing weighing solution for VGM regulation

With the regulation for the Verified Gross Mass (VGM) of containers just two weeks away the head of the US Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) urges lines to use existing weighing solutions at terminals.

Marcus Hand, Editor

June 17, 2016

1 Min Read
Kalyakan - stock.adobe.com

FMC chairman Mario Cordero said lines should accept weights determined by terminal operators for compliance with the VGM regulation under the IMO’s Solas Convention.

"There is a course to Solas VGM compliance provided by the Coast Guard that is not only not burdensome, it requires no additional action at all. Why anyone would add procedures, requirements and costs to doing business is not only puzzling, it raises the specter of anticompetitive behavior and necessitating Commission action," said Cordero. "Using the weight taken at the terminal gate for the purposes of satisfying the need for a verified weight of a container is a simple and efficient solution for assuring the continued smooth flow of export cargoes."

He also called for a streamlining of the process in terms of transmitting the data required.

"In the interest of furthering efficiencies, weights determined at terminal gates for the purposes of Solas VGM compliance should be transmitted directly from the terminal operator to the shipping line, not provided to the shipper to then present to the carrier," said Cordero.

Read more about:

FMC

About the Author

Marcus Hand

Editor

Marcus Hand is the editor of Seatrade Maritime News and a dedicated maritime journalist with over two decades of experience covering the shipping industry in Asia.

Marcus is also an experienced industry commentator and has chaired many conferences and round tables. Before joining Seatrade at the beginning of 2010, Marcus worked for the shipping industry journal Lloyd's List for a decade and before that the Singapore Business Times covering shipping and aviation.

In November 2022, Marcus was announced as a member of the Board of Advisors to the Singapore Journal of Maritime Talent and Technology (SJMTT) to help bring together thought leadership around the key areas of talent and technology.

Marcus is the founder of the Seatrade Maritime Podcast that delivers commentary, opinions and conversations on shipping's most important topics.

Conferences & Webinars

Marcus Hand regularly moderates at international maritime events. Below you’ll find a list of selected past conferences and webinars.

Get the latest maritime news, analysis and more delivered to your inbox
Join 12,000+ members of the maritime community

You May Also Like