APMT to offer VGM support services at 29 terminals

However, the global terminal operator’s terminal in the Port of Los Angeles is not included on the list of facilities where it will allow containers without VGM data.    The container terminal operator APM Terminals (APMT) said Wednesday it will provide container weight verification services at 29 of its facilities globally to help shippers comply with new rules set to come into effect July 1.
   The rule, called verified gross mass (VGM), is an amendment to the International Maritime Organization’s Safety of Life at Sea convention, and requires exporters to provide verification of the weights of containers they discharge at marine terminals. Containers for which VGM data has not been submitted to carriers by a stipulated cutoff will be denied loading by the terminal and vessel operator.
   APMT, a top four global terminal operators and subsidiary of the A.P. Moller-Maersk Group, said boxes without VGM data previously submitted will not be turned away from its facilities.
   “Export containers which are received at APM Terminal facilities with a valid VGM will be accepted as per current local operational procedures,” the company said. “Those export containers which arrive at APM Terminal facilities without a valid VGM will be generally accepted, but as they are ineligible to load on a vessel, may be segregated and subject to additional re-handling and storage requirements.”
   Notably, the list of APMT facilities for which containers without VGM data will be allowed does not include the company’s terminal in the Port of Los Angeles. The full list includes:
     • Aarhus, Denmark
     • Abidjan, Ivory Coast
     • Aqaba, Jordan
     • Bahrain
     • Bremerhaven, Germany
     • Buenos Aires, Argentina
     • Callao, Peru
     • Cotonou, Benin
     • First Container Terminal, Russia
     • Rade, Tunisia
     • Fos, France
     • Gothenburg, Sweden
     • Mumbai, India
     • Helsinki, Finland
     • Itajai, Brazil,
     • Izmir, Turkey
     • Lazaro, Mexico
     • Moby Dick, Russia
     • Pecem, Brazil
     • Pipavav, India
     • Port Said, Egypt
     • Petrolesport, Russia
     • Pointe-Noire, Congo
     • Santos, Brazil
     • Tanjung Pelepas, Malaysia
     • Ust-Luga, Russia
     • Vado, Italy
     • Vostochny, Russia
     • Wilhelmshaven, Germany
   APMT said it will aim to add further locations where VGM support services can be offered.
   “Our first priority remains to ensure safe and efficient operations for the supply chain,” APMT Head of Global Operations Jack Craig said in a statement. “It is crucial that these regulations are met in a way which does not create congestion bottlenecks that ultimately impose additional risk and cost for all stakeholders.”
   The company also noted it is in dialogue with local regulatory authorities to provide clarity on national rules governing how to ensure compliance.
   “APM Terminals is planning to provide VGM data management capabilities in most facilities through accepting EDI transmissions of VGM information into terminal operating systems from the shipping lines prior to vessel load planning.”