Terminal Weighing Approach Should Serve as Model for VGM Compliance, OCEMA Says

Other terminal operators should adopt the Terminal Weighing Approach recently agreed to by the Ocean Carrier Equipment Management Association and six U.S. ports, OCEMA said in a news release. The Federal Maritime Commission recently approved an agreement between OCEMA and the ports -- South Carolina Ports Authority, Georgia Ports Authority, North Carolina State Ports Authority, the Port of Houston Authority, The Port of Virginia, and the Massachusetts Port Authority -- to use that approach (see 1606270039). New verified gross mass (VGM) requirements under the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention are scheduled to take effect July 1. "The six major East and Gulf Coast operating ports and 19 carriers in OCEMA have moved quickly to adopt this approach which is terminal, shipper and carrier friendly," OCEMA Chairman Frank Gossi said. "This is a game changer as it will cover almost 40% of U.S. containerized exports. We urge other U.S. terminals to adopt the TWA approach in a way that facilitates the smooth flow of U.S. export movements.”

OCEMA and the ports also released a policy statement outlining "steps to be taken for VGM compliance by using the 'Terminal Weighing Approach.'" The policy statement explains that "terminals/port are to confirm that they have scales and processes that meet Coast Guard requirements for terminals providing VGM." The "containers would be weighed on certified terminal scales at these ports/terminals" and "tractor/chassis/fuel weight would be backed out by formula," it said. "Port/terminal will then provide VGM equivalent directly to vessel planners. U.S. Coast Guard has confirmed this as an acceptable equivalent procedure for VGM in the U.S.," the group said. "Port/terminal schedules and carrier tariffs would specify that in such U.S. ports/terminals, shipper authorizes terminal weighing as its VGM submission. (There may be other specific provisions for VGM in port marine terminal operator Schedules or carrier tariffs.) Shippers wishing to submit their own formal VGM at such ports/terminals may still do so by arrangement with carrier."

Email ITTNews@warren-news.com for a copy of the OCEMA news release or policy statement.