In present time where the world is interconnected and the international trade is evolved drastically, container shipping became an integral part of global economy. When we think about container shipping, what comes in our mind? Different sizes of containers, container-carrying trucks, vessels fully loaded with containers, cranes and other equipment which handle containers etc. Have you ever thought how the safety of the equipment, cargo, vessels and the crew members ensured?
Well, there is a regulation named Verified Gross
Mass, popularly known as VGM which helps to determine the weight of containers
before loading onto the vessel to ensure the maritime safety.
What is Verified Gross Mass (VGM)?
Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) convention introduced by The International Maritime Organization (IMO), as per SOLAS the shipper needs to provide the VGM declaration before loading of containers onto the vessel.
VGM is the total weight which includes the cargo weight, dunnage weight (weight of the items used to secure the cargo) and container weight.
How to obtain Verified Gross Mass (VGM)?
There are two methods of obtain VGM:
Method 1:
As per this method, the weight of a container(loaded with cargo and sealed) needs to be captured using a calibrated and certified weighbridge.
Method 2:
As per 2nd method the weight of cargo, packing material, support material (dunnage) and container needs to be captured separately and all weights to be added to calculate the VGM.
In both cases weighbridge should be calibrated and certified as per law of the land, estimated weights are not allowed.
Impact of VGM in global trade.
1. Safety enhancement: VGM ensures that the weight of loaded containers are captured correctly and no container is overloaded. As the container weights are verified and the weights ate under permissible limit, it reduces the risk of container damage, accidents while handling and it also ensures the safety of the vessel.
2. Transparency: VGM brought transparency in global supply chain. Information of exact weight helps for further planning of container handling in terminal, transportation of container, vessel operations etc.
3. Standardization: Because of VGM there is a standardized approach created globally for weighing of containers which stops the haphazard practices of weight declaration.
4. Supply chain efficiency: VGM promotes accurate weight declaration, which helps to enhance efficient cargo handling, terminal operations, vessel operations etc. Which helps to optimize the process and reduce the turnaround time and enhance overall supply chain efficiency.
5. Technology integration: As VGM requires accurate weight declaration, the need of advance weighing equipment and automated technology arises, which helps to ensure the accuracy.
6. Increased cost: Initially shipper has to purchase weighing equipment and spend for arranging training for the staffs. Maintenance and calibration costs are also to be considered.
7. Operational delay: Weighing of each container and weight declaration can be the cause of small delay in operations. If shipper fails to declare accurate weight, containers shall not be allowed to load in the vessel, which will be cause of shipment delay.
8. Logistics challenges: If declared VGM is incorrect, it may lead to serious problems such as transport delay, rejection of cargo at POL, detention & demurrage etc.
VGM plays a big role in ensuring safety of people, vessel and equipment in international maritime shipping. It also helps to enhance transparency in international logistics. Similarly, it has few challenges, such as initially it incurs cost of the weighing equipment, also it may cause the delay in operation as well as some other logistical challenges.
0 Comments