Understanding Verified Gross Mass (VGM) in Maritime Shipping
In the world of international maritime shipping, the Verified Gross Mass (VGM) is a crucial concept. It refers to the total weight of the cargo and packaging materials in a container, including both the cargo itself and its packaging. Ensuring the accuracy of the VGM is essential for the safety and compliance of sea transport. Let’s explore the importance of VGM, how it’s determined, and the processes behind its declaration.
What is VGM and Why is it Important?
The VGM represents the total weight of the cargo and its packaging materials within a shipping container. This weight must be verified before the cargo is loaded onto the vessel to ensure safe and compliant shipping operations. The importance of an accurate VGM cannot be overstated—it prevents issues like container overloading and imbalance, both of which could result in cargo damage or even accidents at sea.
Furthermore, ensuring the VGM is correct improves operational efficiency, reduces the risk of disputes, and minimizes claims related to weight discrepancies. For all parties involved—shippers, carriers, and port operators—VGM accuracy is key to maintaining safe and smooth maritime operations.
How is VGM Determined?
There are two primary methods for determining the VGM:
- Weighing the Cargo: The most straightforward and accurate method is weighing the cargo directly. The shipper or their agent measures the cargo’s weight and adds the weight of the container itself to calculate the total gross weight. This method is typically preferred for its directness and reliability.
- Using Container Weight Declaration: In some cases, especially when direct weighing of the cargo is not possible, the shipper may rely on a container weight declaration. This involves calculating the weight of all packaging and cargo items separately and adding them to the container’s tare weight to determine the total weight.
The Declaration Process
According to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) regulations, shippers must submit the VGM information when exporting a container. This regulation has been legally binding since July 1, 2016.
Submission Process: Shippers must submit the VGM information to the carrier or terminal representative before loading the container. This process ensures that both the carrier and terminal operator can verify the total weight of the container. Once the VGM information is submitted, the carrier or terminal operator will confirm the weight to ensure it meets safety standards.
The Role of VGM Intelligent Supervision Systems
To enhance the efficiency of cargo clearance and port operations, some regions have developed and implemented intelligent VGM supervision systems. These systems integrate basic container information, VGM declaration data, and actual weight data from port operators, allowing for real-time updates and data sharing between all parties involved.
Through these smart systems, it’s possible to automatically cross-check the declared weight against the actual weight, identifying any discrepancies such as overweight or over-limit containers before they are loaded. This greatly improves the safety of container transport and port operations by preventing potential hazards caused by overweight containers.
