Understanding Verified Gross Mass in Shipping: What It Is and Why It Matters
In the shipping industry, the safety and stability of vessels is one of the most important aspects. One crucial aspect of this is the accuracy of a container’s weight, also known as Verified Gross Mass (VGM). In this article, we’ll explore what VGM is, how it’s used, and the benefits it brings to the shipping process.
Table of Contents:
What Is Verified Gross Mass (VGM)?
Verified Gross Mass (VGM) is the total weight of a packed container, including the cargo, dunnage (packing materials), and the container’s tare weight (the weight of the empty container). VGM is a mandatory requirement under the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) regulations. These regulations were introduced to prevent accidents caused by the misdeclaration of container weights, which can lead to vessel instability, container stack collapses, and other serious safety risks.
As of July 1, 2016, shippers are legally required to provide accurate VGM before a container can be loaded onto a vessel. Without this verified weight, the container will not be accepted for shipment, ensuring that all parties maintain a high standard of safety and compliance.
How to determine VGM
There are two primary methods for determining a container’s Verified Gross Mass.
1. Weighing the packed container
The packed and sealed container is weighed using calibrated and certified equipment such as a weighing bridge, a scale, or a weighing lift. The equipment is mostly located at the terminal or outside of the loading port. This is the most straightforward method, ensuring that the weight includes everything inside the container as well as the container’s weight itself.
Sometimes this method is used when the container is still on a truck. In these cases, the vehicle’s weight and the fuel amount must be subtracted from the weight.
2. Calculating the total weight
Alternatively, the shipper can weigh all individual items and cargo, including packing materials, and then add this to the tare weight of the container. The tare weight can be found on the safety approval or CSC plate. This method is often used when it is difficult or impractical to weigh the packed container – for example, in the case of special cargo items.
In both cases, the accuracy of the weight is critical, and the shipper must ensure that the VGM data is reported correctly to the carrier and that the used weighing equipment meets the local regulations and standards.
Why Verified Gross Mass Is So Important
As already mentioned above, the IMO has introduced a strict regulation for reporting VGM. Below you’ll find some more detailed reasons why VGM matters (apart from the fact that your cargo simply won’t be shipped if VGM data are missing).
1. Higher safety on board:
- VGM prevents overloading: By ensuring that containers are not overloaded, VGM reduces the risk of accidents at sea, such as vessel instability and capsizing. It also helps prevent issues during loading and unloading such as crane failures and collapsed container stacks.
- Accurate stowage: Knowing the exact weight of each container allows for better planning of container placement on the vessel, which is essential for maintaining balance and stability of the vessel – especially during higher and rougher tides.
2. Improved operational efficiency:
- Streamlined operations: With accurate (and timely) weight information, carriers and terminal operators can plan and execute loading operations more efficiently, reducing delays in departure and optimizing vessel capacity.
- Minimized risk of cargo damage: Proper weight declaration helps prevent uneven weight distribution, which can cause containers to shift during transit, leading to cargo damage, and ties into the accurate and correct stowage.
3. Regulatory compliance:
- Meeting legal requirements: Adhering to SOLAS regulations by providing VGM ensures that shippers remain compliant with international maritime laws, avoiding potential fines or penalties.
- Avoidance of shipment delays: Containers without a verified VGM cannot be loaded onto a vessel, leading to potential delays. Accurate VGM reporting ensures smooth shipping operations and on-time deliveries.
How to submit VGM online: Tools and resources
Submitting VGM accurately and efficiently is crucial for meeting SOLAS requirements. They also provide guidelines for the responsible shipper mentioned in the Bill of Lading on how to report VGM – either as part of the Shipping Instructions or in a separate document. You will also be provided with a deadline of the VGM submission.
For a more convenient submission, you can use our VGM tool. Here, you will find guidance on VGM requirements, submission methods, and the tools available to streamline the process.
Key Takeaways
Verified Gross Mass (VGM) is a critical component of shipping operations, ensuring the safety and efficiency of maritime logistics. By accurately declaring the weight of containers, shippers not only comply with international regulations, but also contribute to safer and more reliable shipping practices. Make sure to check and accurately submit VGM – the responsible party to do so is the one listed as “shipper” in the Bill of Lading.
With our VGM submission tool in the Online Business Suite , you can report your containers’ VGM online, making it easier and more efficient for everyone involved.
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