Modern Terminals ready for container weighing

The China-based terminal operator will offer customers at its Hong Kong, Taicang and Da Chan Bay facilities assistance to comply with the verified gross mass rule.    The China-based container terminal operator Modern Terminals on Thursday said it is equipped to provide container weighing services at facilities in China and Hong Kong.
   An International Maritime Organization (IMO) rule requiring container weights to be verified prior to loading on a vessel are due to go into effect July 1. The verified gross mass (VGM) rule is an amendment to IMO’s existing Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) convention, and is intended to help vessel and terminal operators plan the stowage of ships to avoid accidents at sea due to inaccurately declared container weights.
   “All container terminals under Modern Terminals Group, including Hong Kong, Da Chan Bay and Taicang, are now fully equipped to provide container weighing services to our customers who need assistance,” the operator said. “The Modern Terminals team has been working closely with shippers, carriers, and truckers to ensure a smooth process is in place upon SOLAS VGM go live in July.”
   Modern Terminals operates Kwai Tsing Container Port in Hong Kong. In addition, the company operates and holds a majority of shares in Da Chan Bay Terminals in the Pearl River Delta and the Taicang International Gateway in the Yangtze River Delta. In southern China, Modern Terminals holds equity stakes in the Shekou Container Terminals and Chiwan Container Terminal, both of which are part of the Port of Shenzhen.
   “We continue to work closely with local government authorities to ensure a smooth and effective transition for customers in meeting SOLAS requirements,” said Peter Levesque, chief operating officer of Modern Terminals’ Group.