Accord on Terminal Container Weighing for SOLAS VGM Sets Up Smooth Implementation, FMC Commissioners Say

Steps taken by some ocean carriers and terminal operating companies are “encouraging signs” for smooth implementation of new Safety of Life at Sea verified gross mass (VGM) container weighing requirements that take effect July 1, Federal Maritime Commission Chairman Mario Cordero said July 29 (here). At least four ocean carriers have published customer advisories in recent days saying that they will accept VGMs as determined by scales at marine terminals, he said. Cordero also praised a recent agreement between the Ocean Carrier Equipment Management Association and six East Coast ports that would allow use of terminal-determined weights (see 1606270039).

Other ports are also taking steps to implement VGM requirements, with all six terminals at the Port of New York and New Jersey recently announcing they will offer weighing services, FMC Commissioner William Doyle said in a separate statement (here). Doyle had originally voted against the agreement between OCEMA and the six East Coast ports because it was “overly broad, sweeping in nature and indefinite in time,” he said. “It’s our duty as a Commission to make sure the shipping community including exporters and consumers are not harmed by certain actions taken by entities under the cover of the Shipping Act,” Doyle said. He later voted to approve the agreement after OCEMA agreed to several language changes, he said.

Recent developments have largely put to rest concerns from the shipping community about implementation of the VGM requirement, Doyle said. “Less than two months ago, there were still significant questions about the liability for container tare weights and the process of submitting VGM information. Carriers have since agreed to issue tariff rules with the FMC that hold shippers harmless for inaccurate tare weights,” he said. “Further, the latest discussions on terminal weighing methods will hopefully resolve questions about obtaining and transmitting VGM information. Of course, shippers, such as scrap metal exporters, have the ability to weigh their own containers if they so desire pursuant to the SOLAS rules.”