VGM ruling now for containers before loading
Published on: Saturday, July 02, 2016
Kota Kinabalu: Shippers are now required to provide containers' verified gross mass (VGM) before they can be loaded for shipping under a new ruling that took effect on July 1.Sabah Ports Sdn Bhd (SPSB) said in a statement that in compliance with the International Maritime Organisation's (IMO) verified gross mass rule, it has now enforced the Safety of Life at Sea (Solas) regulation VI/2. The IMO, which is the United Nations specialised agency responsible for developing shipping regulatory framework, has enforced the regulation as pre-emptive measures to reduce injuries and loss of life at sea.
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The agency has set July 1 as the effective date for ports worldwide to adopt the ruling. SPSB stated it has since carried out the enforcement of Solas in accordance with the global implementation. It had also taken steps to further prepare its ports by scheduling a trial implementation period on June 25.To ensure a smooth transition, SPSB has actively held dialogues with the Sabah Ports Authority, shipping agents, forwarders and trade associations to ensure all parties are fully aware of the commitment.
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A template of the prescribed VGM form has been made available at the company website for port users to further facilitate compliance."SPSB fully supports the implementation of Solas as it is beneficial towards enhancing the safety of container handling at our ports," said the company's Chief Operating Officer Mohd Sahid Nawab Khan.
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He added that SPSB's aim is to eliminate workplace accidents due to overweight containers, in particular, those designated for loading onto container vessels. In line with this, he said it has put in place stringent safety practices as part of the port's Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) in accordance with the requirement of Solas."We welcome the decision on the implementation of Solas as it creates additional security and safety measures for container vessels and port employees, especially those involved in the shore side operations," he said.Mohd Sahid called for cooperation from container exporters to ensure full compliance of Solas.He added that in view of the implementation, SPSB has also subjected shipping agents to a 24-hour rule which states that laden containers must enter the port 24 hours prior to vessel arrival to provide ample time for vessel stowage planning. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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