AMSA prepares for container weight regulation changes

From July 1, 2016, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) will implement changes to regulations for container weight verifications in the shipping industry, requiring shippers to provide a verified gross mass (VGM) for containers. These changes reflect amendments to the International Safety of Life at Sea Convention, approved by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). To implement the new international requirements, AMSA has amended Marine Order 42 (Cargo, stowage and securing).

Under the changes, the shipper is required to provide a signed VGM to the terminal and the master of a vessel or their representative, in advance of a container being loaded. Providing a VGM for a container allows the master of a vessel to plan ship loading, so that the ship is stable, hull strength and stack weights are not exceeded and lashing arrangements are effective.

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IMO issues advice regarding verification of gross mass of packed containers as deadline looms

An MSC circular on Advice to Administrations, port State control authorities, companies, port terminals and masters regarding the SOLAS requirements for verified gross mass of packed containers has been agreed by the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), following discussion on the pending entry into force of the requirements in SOLAS regulations VI/2.4 to VI/2/6 on the verification of the gross mass of packed containers on 1 July 2016.

Concerns were noted with regards to the application of the requirements to a container which was loaded before 1 July 2016 and then transhipped. The Committee, meeting for its 96th session (11-20 May), also noted delegations’ comments that, in the first few months after 1 July 2016, some leeway should be provided in order for any problems resulting from software updates, required for the electronic collection and transmittal of verified gross mass data, to be rectified without causing delays to containers being loaded.

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Further warning issued about limited preparation ahead of container weighing from 1 July 2016

According to UK P&I Club, some terminals and shippers are not prepared for the enforcement of the SOLAS on 1st July that will see all packed containers mandatorily weighed before loading. The Club notes that without steps to address the requirements of the SOLAS amendment, it is likely that chaos and commercial disputes could ensue. Furthermore, UK P&I Club warns that a failure to comply will result in fines, delays and potential loss of business for carriers.

The SOLAS amendment coming into force on 1st July 2016 requires, as a condition for loading a packed container onto a ship for export, that the container has a verified gross mass (‘VGM’). As from 1st July 2016, it will become a violation of SOLAS to load a packed container onto a ship if the ship operator and marine terminal operator do not have the VGM of the container. All 163 Signatory States to SOLAS will need to implement this SOLAS amendment through their national legislation.

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FONABSA container weighing survey says there is work to do

The second round of the FONASBA survey on the status of implementation of the amendments to SOLAS VI.2 shows that with just three months to go before the 1st July 2016 deadline, the situation varies widely across more than 50 countries represented in FONASBA membership. The results of the survey, covering a wide range of topics from the nomination of the “designated authority” to how trans-shipment containers and those shipped under FOB sales will be treated, are available from the FONASBA website. For ease of reference, the extensive, detailed and comprehensive full report, listing the information provided by each individual country, is complemented by a consolidated Executive Summary.

Of particular concern at this late stage is that eighteen associations have advised that no guidance has been issued on the practical application of the measures in the country concerned. This situation has been exacerbated by the failure, until very recently in some cases, of governments to nominate the designated authority.

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IMO publicly asserts: No going back on container weighing

containersIMO Senior Deputy Director for Marine Technology and Cargoes, Maritime Safety Division, Joseph Westwood-Booth, recently told an audience at the ICHCA conference in Barcelona that he wanted to make it “perfectly clear” that there would be “no delays” to the SOLAS amendment on container weighing.

The beginning of March, 2016 has brought significant ambiguity to the container weighing debate, with US Coast Guard Rear Admiral Paul Thomas telling the TPM Conference that he believes the impending SOLAS guidelines on container weight verification “are not mandatory”.

Following this, the Global Consolidators Working Group wrote a letter to the IMO stating that the container weighing rule is “too vague” to implement.

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Urgent clarity on container weighing sought by operators

Clarification is being sought by operators on the upcoming new container weighing regulations.
Clarification is being sought by operators on the upcoming new container weighing regulations.

The implementation of the new Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) container weighing rule is due to come into effect on 1 July 1 2016, yet there is still a lack of information on their application, which is causing terminal operators to request further clarity as a matter of urgency.

Private port federation FEPORT has called on national authorities to develop guidelines that protect the efficiency of the logistics chain and do not create competitive distortions between Member States.

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The effect of water moisture damage on containerised cargo

We have all heard stories of import cargo arriving with water or moisture damage and the Insured/Consignee complaining bitterly when their claim is denied, believing that they have paid a lot of money for insurance that is worthless. It is even more frustrating when we come across these claims with Insureds/Consignees that are regularly importing (or exporting) goods.

Insured peril
So when is water moisture damage on containerised cargo covered by Insurance? Firstly, let’s make a few assumptions to keep this simple: we will consider the cargo as being a Full Container Load (FCL) and that the Policy coverage is Institute Cargo Clauses (A) [ICC (A)], which is All Risks.

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Industry not ready for new SOLAS Container Weight requirements says survey

A new survey reveals that the majority are not ready for the new SOLAS Container Weight regulations, due in July 2016
A new survey reveals that the majority are not ready for the new SOLAS Container Weight regulations, due in July 2016

As debate rages on about the roll out of new SOLAS Container Weight regulations that will impact upon the container sector in July 2016, a recent survey points to ignorance about the changes.

INTTRA announced the results of a customer survey whose 410 respondents overwhelmingly expressed concerns about the readiness of the ocean shipping industry and their own companies and customers for the implementation of Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) verified gross mass (VGM) regulations. The new SOLAS Container Weight regulations stipulate that containers cannot be loaded onto ships until their weight has been verified and certified.

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Significant new mega ship facility opens at the Port of Felixstowe

Clemence Cheng and Dr Therese Coffey MP celebrate the opening of the new mega ship facility at the Port of Felixstowe
Clemence Cheng and Dr Therese Coffey MP celebrate the opening of the new mega ship facility at the Port of Felixstowe

The Berth 9 Extension at the Port of Felixstowe, the Port of Britain, has been opened by Dr Therese Coffey MP, Deputy Leader of the House of Commons.

The 190-metre extension increases the port’s capability to work two of the world’s largest containerships simultaneously. More than eighty ships of 18,000+TEU have already been handled at the port in 2015, confirming Felixstowe’s position as the port-of-choice for mega-ships in the UK.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Coffey said:

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New technology for container ships being developed by LR

LR is developing new technology for container ships
LR is developing new technology for container ships

LR’s lashings specialists have been using state-of-the-art analysis techniques that will enable owners of ultra-large container ships to extend their vessels’ cargo-carrying capabilities.

LR is classing the world’s largest-ever container ships – led by a recent contract to oversee the building of six ultra-large container ships (ULCS) of more than 20,000 teu.

Four ULCS vessels of 20,150 teu will be built for the Japanese company Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) at Samsung Heavy Industries’ (SHI) shipyard at Geoje Island, South Korea, while two 20,050 teu ships are being built for Shoei Kisen Kaisha on long charter to MOL at Shoei’s affiliate company Imabari Shipbuilding at Saijo shipyard, Japan.

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Munkebo Maersk becomes the biggest ship to sail the Thames

Munkebo Maersk becomes the biggest ship to sail the Thames
Munkebo Maersk becomes the biggest ship to sail the Thames

The 399 metre long Munkebo Maersk, which weighs in at 195,000 tonnes and is 60 metre wide became the largest vessel ever to sail up the Thames. The Munkebo Maersk is one of the largest container vessels in the world. She was helped into port by pilots from the Port of London Authority.

Munkebo Maersk can carry 18,300 x 20 foot containers.

Simon Moore, chief executive of DP World London Gateway, said: “This is yet another record and landmark moment for DP World London Gateway.

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World Shipping Council advises to prepare for Container Weight Verification

The World Shipping Council warns to prepare for Container Weight Verification changes and legislation coming in July 2016
The World Shipping Council warns to prepare for Container Weight Verification legislation coming in July 2016

At the end of 2014, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopted amendments to the Safety of Life at Sea Convention (SOLAS) that will require every packed export container to have a verified container weight as a condition for loading aboard a vessel.

This requirement will become legally binding on July 1, 2016.

All parties involved in the international transportation of maritime containers – including shippers, freight forwarders, packers, NVOCCs, carriers, and marine terminal operators – will Continue reading “World Shipping Council advises to prepare for Container Weight Verification”

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