Maritime groups provide supplementary VGM FAQs

A collection of maritime industry groups on Monday released a supplementary set of frequently asked questions to support smooth implementation of the container weight rule scheduled to take effect Friday.    A collection of maritime industry groups on Monday released a supplementary set of frequently asked questions (FAQs) ahead of Friday’s deadline to being complying with the verified gross mass (VGM) container weight verification rule.
   The World Shipping Council (WSC), the TT Club, the International Cargo Handling Coordination Association (ICHCA) and the Global Shippers’ Forum (GSF) jointly released the second FAQ document designed to support smooth implementation of the VGM rule that takes effect globally on July 1.
   “Like the initial joint industry FAQ document, published last December, these new supplementary FAQs are based on actual questions from affected stakeholders regarding proper implementation of the new regulations,” the groups said. “The supplementary FAQs include new questions and answers as well as expanded answers to some of the questions listed in the December FAQs. As such, these FAQs do not introduce new interpretations or approaches, but seek to provide further assistance in explaining the SOLAS VGM requirements by building on existing guidance material.”
   The groups said some of the supplementary FAQs explain in more detail how the VGM requirements should be fulfilled in various circumstances as described in questions received from supply chain parties. Other supplementary FAQs are intended to give additional information regarding the two methods that may be used under the SOLAS VGM requirements to obtain the VGM of a packed container. Shippers can either provide the weight of the packed container or calculate the weight of the cargo and packing and adding that to the tare weight of the container.
   “Stakeholders are urged to continue to approach any of our collaborating organizations with additional questions that may arise after the enforcement date of the regulation on July 1,” the groups said. “Container safety is a shared responsibility, and all parties have an interest in improving the safety of ships, their crews and others throughout the containerized supply chain while reducing the risk of damages to cargo.”
   Correction: A previous version of this story referred to the supplementary set of FAQ’s as a revised set of FAQs.