Have you wondered how the marine industry ensures the security and efficiency of the global shipping trade? This is where the concept of verified gross mass (VGM) has emerged and holds a strong perspective in the shipping sector. In accordance with the International Maritime Organization's requirements, VGM is necessary to maintain both the stability of ships and the security of perishable cargo.
What does VGM mean in the shipping industry?
The term VGM (Verified Gross Mass) refers to the total weight of your shipping container, including the quantity, contents of the perishable goods loaded into the container, and the packaging involved in the shipping process.
What is the importance of verified gross mass (VGM) in the maritime industry?
Set forth by the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (or SOLAS), the International Maritime Organization introduced the reporting of VGM in 2016. Before loading perishable cargo onto the ship, the shipper’s name, as mentioned in the bill of lading, is responsible for reporting the VGM. This guarantees the safety of container ships in international waters and helps maintain the integrity of the transported goods to reach their destination safely.
Here are the main reasons why reporting VGM is important:
- Preventing Accidents: Reporting Verified Gross Mass (VGM) means more than just a formality; it is an integral component of maritime safety. Reporting of the accurate VGM prevents overloading and maintains vessel stability. Miscalculations of cargo weight can lead to severe consequences, such as ship capsizing, vessel damage, and threats to human life. Understanding the complexity of verified gross mass can be daunting. Citrus Freight can input insightful data and streamline transport operations to ensure the safety of your cargo and compliance with marine safety norms.
- Secure Navigation: The shippers can make informed decisions about stowage and loading plans by reporting Verified Gross Mass(VGM). This enables better stability calculations and avoids overloading and uneven weight distribution, both of which play a crucial role in the safe navigation of the vessel.
What are the approved methods to calculate the Verified Gross Mass (VGM)?
There are mainly two ways to evaluate the Verified Gross Mass of your shipping vessel:
Method 1: The first method implies the weighing of the sealed and packed container stuffed with the perishable contents inside by using a calibrated and certified weighing bridge. This certified weighing tool ensures the correct weight accuracy and can be found at port terminals or outside the ports.
If the shipping container is weighed with the truck it’s loaded, you need to deduct the weight of the truck and its fuel from the total weight.
Method 2: The second method needs to weigh the perishable contents and cargo items, including the packing material, securing equipment, pallets, or dunnage, individually, and add these weights to the container’s tare weight as displayed on the container CSC plate.
Under the second method, these 4 elements are needed to be determined to obtain Verified Gross Mass (VGM).
- The container's weight
- The perishable product weight before packaging
- The volume of the main container (if any)
- The total weight of all additional packing, dunnage, pallets, space fillers, and fastening materials
Keep in mind that the weighing tool (weighing bridge or scale equipment) used in either of the methods must comply with the local country regulations and maintain standards for precise certification and calibrated requirements.
Proof of the weighing system used for certification must be permitted upon request and should include the following details:
- The approval number of the weighing scale
- The weighing scale company's name
- The exact date of the weigh-in
- The weighing company's address
- Number of shipping containers
- The seal number
- The operational staff's name and signature are on the weighing scale
- Stamp of the company
All verified gross masses (VGM) should include the following details:
- Bill of Lading or Booking Number
- The number of the container
- VGM + unit
- Full name of the responsible party
- Clear Signature
- Date and location of the signature
The Verified Gross Mass (VGM) provided by the shipper might not be completely accurate. Most of the countries allow a 2-5% tolerance on the VGM to cover minor weight changes from container wear and tear or vessel weight variations due to evaporation or fluctuating humidity levels.
These small margins of error don't pose any danger to the safety of the ship, but the shipper is still instructed to use weighing equipment that meets the accuracy standards of the relevant jurisdiction.
What consequences can take place if you miss the VGM reporting deadlines?
If the shipper fails to report Verified Gross Mass on the particular timeline, you can’t load the shipping container onto the ship. Due to this, the port authorities will not allow you to move your cargo, which might result in additional costs.
- Fees for Storage: For re-storage facilities, you have to pay extra costs.
- Demurrage Cost: If your shipping container needs more space in spite of the allotted time, additional charges will be applied.
- Rebooking Vessel Schedule: If you can't get the scheduled ships on time, you might need to book another vessel for your shipment.
How do I make changes to the submitted Verified Gross Mass (VGM)?
If there is any error in the submitted VGM or any changes are required to update a cargo, the amendment process involves some crucial factors.
These includes
- Notify the Shipmaster: You need to notify the master of the ship or the terminal executive about the change.
- Revised Documentation: You need to resubmit a fresh VGM document with updated signatures and time stamps to match the initial requirements.
- Timely Updates: Make sure to communicate timely updates to avoid affecting the shipping schedule and abide by the safety regulations.
Conclusion
As the global shipping industry gains momentum, maintaining safety standards and improving operational efficiency through accurate VGM reporting are the sole focus. Strict adherence to VGM regulations by Citrus Freight underscores the industry's commitment to safety and compliance.
Citrus is moving towards technological advancements and streamlined processes that play a crucial role in modern maritime logistics, benefiting shippers, carriers, and the overall integrity of the supply chain.