June 20, 2016
As of July 1, 2016, packed cargo containers to which the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), Chapter VI, Regulation 2, applies can’t be loaded onto a ship until the master (or her representative) and the terminal representative have either received the shipping document with the “verified gross mass” (or “VGM”), or the terminal operator or the carrier has itself calculated the VGM.
Effective July 1, new rules for weighing packed cargo containers will come into force globally, including in Canada under the Cargo, Fumigation and Tackle Regulations under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001. The new rules are intended to ensure accurate container weights are available through the supply chain to reduce the risk of container stack collapses and vessel instability caused or contributed to by inaccurately declared container weights. As of July 1, shippers will be required to calculate the VGM – total gross mass – of a packed container and provide the VGM to carriers and terminal operators in a signed shipping document before the container can be loaded on a ship. There are two approved methods to determine VGM; estimated weight isn’t permitted:
Here’s how the new VGM rules will impact shippers, terminal operators and carriers.
Shippers. The primary responsibility to comply with the new VGM rules rests with the shipper. And after July 1, no VGM means no loading, no loading means delay, and delay means money. Shippers should be aware of – and prepared for – these implications.
Terminal Operators. The new rules carry both risk and opportunity for terminal operators.
Carriers. The new rules impose key obligations on carriers.
To assist shippers, terminal operators and carriers with compliance with the new VGM rules, Transport Canada, Marine Safety and Security, has prepared a guide entitled “Canadian Procedure for Obtaining the Verified Gross Mass of Packed Containers as Required by SOLAS VI/2”.
Please contact your McInnes Cooper lawyer or any member of our McInnes Cooper Maritime Law Team to discuss this topic or any other legal issue.
McInnes Cooper has prepared this document for information only; it is not intended to be legal advice. You should consult McInnes Cooper about your unique circumstances before acting on this information. McInnes Cooper excludes all liability for anything contained in this document and any use you make of it.
© McInnes Cooper, 2016. All rights reserved. McInnes Cooper owns the copyright in this document. You may reproduce and distribute this document in its entirety as long as you do not alter the form or the content and you give McInnes Cooper credit for it. You must obtain McInnes Cooper’s consent for any other form of reproduction or distribution. Email us at [email protected] to request our consent.
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