With just 50 days until SOLAS Verified Gross Mass (VGM) comes into force, APM Terminals is aiming to ensure a smooth transition into the new regulatory environment and will be providing container weighing services. Under international law from 1st July, 2016 shippers are required to provide a VGM for every container before it can be loaded with the shipping line.
In 2014, the International Maritime organization (IMO), the agency of the United Nations responsible for regulating international seaborne trade, approved amendments to the Safety of Life at Sea Convention (SOLAS) which as of 1st July 2016 will require verification and documentation of loaded containers (VGM) before they can be loaded onto vessels.
“Our first priority remains to ensure safe and efficient operations for the supply chain,” stated APM Terminals Head of Global Operations, Jack Craig; who added “it is crucial that these regulations are met in a way which does not create congestion bottlenecks that ultimately impose additional risk and cost for all stakeholders”.
Export containers which are received at APM Terminal facilities with a valid VGM will be accepted as per current local operational procedures.
Those export containers which arrive at APM Terminal facilities without a valid VGM will be generally accepted, but may be subject to additional re-handling and storage requirements.
Initially, APM Terminals will provide VGM Generation Services to supply chain partners at 29 locations globally. These locations are:
| Aarhus, Denmark | Fos, France | Pecem, Brazil |
| Abidjan, Ivory Coast | Gothenburg, Sweden | Petrolesport, Russia |
| Aqaba, Jordan | Mumbai, India | Pointe-Noire, Congo |
| Bahrain | Helsinki, Finland | Santos, Brazil |
| Bremerhaven, Germany | Itajai, Brazil | Tanjung Pelepas, Malaysia |
| Buenos Aires,Argentina | Izmir, Turkey | Ust-Luga, Russia |
| Callao, Peru | Moby Dick, Russia | Vado, Italy |
| Cotonou, Benin | Pipavav, India | Vostochny, Russia |
| First Container Terminal, Russia | Lazaro, Mexico | Wilhelmshaven, Germany |
| Rades, Tunisia | Port Said, Egypt | Rotterdam, The Netherlands |
| Maasvlakte II, The Netherlands |
Locations may be adjusted subject to market developments.
