Frequent Questions and Answers for Implementation of "SOLAS Chapter VI amendments" - "Verified Gross Mass" May 2016

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopted amendments to the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention (Chapter VI, part A, regulation 2), that requires packed containers' gross mass to be verified prior to stowage aboard ship. As from July 1, 2016, this "VGM rule", effective as global law, prohibits loading of a packed container in absence of the verified gross mass (VGM). This applies to all packed containers which are to be loaded to a vessel under SOLAS regime in international maritime traffic.

According to IMO, it will be for those containers loaded from the first loading port on and after July 1, 2016.

Yang Ming will obey IMO's requirement and formally implement "VGM rule" from July 1, 2016 accordingly.

"VGM rule" prescribes two methods by which the shipper may obtain the verified gross mass of a packed container.
Method 1.
Upon the conclusion of packing and sealing a container, the shipper may weigh, or have arranged that a third party weigh, the packed container using calibrated and certified equipment.
Method 2.
The shipper or, by arrangement of the shipper, a third party may weigh all packages and cargo items, including the mass of pallets, dunnage and other packing and securing material to be packed in the container, and add the tare mass of the container to the sum of the single masses of the container's contents. The using method shall be approved by the competent authority of the state in which packing of the container was completed.
In respect of both Method 1 and 2, the weighing equipment used must meet the applicable accuracy standards and requirements of the State in which the equipment is being used.

The tare weight of each container can be found on the container door.

The shipper named on the bill of lading is the party responsible for obtaining and providing each packed container's VGM to the ocean carrier (or his representative) and/or to the terminal operator, preferably by electronic means, sufficiently in advance of the loading in order to prepare and implement the ship stowage plan. Please be also aware that "VGM rule" demand VGM must be 'signed' by either the shipper or a person duly authorized by the shipper. The signature can be electronic or be replaced by the name in capitals.

No. "VGM rule" only provides that VGM has to be obtained according to above-mentioned methods (Question 4) and submit to ocean carrier and/or terminal operator with the signature of shipper or the party duly authorized by shipper.

Yang Ming provides below methods for submitting VGM information:
 a. EDI through VERMAS (EDIFACT message type)
 b. Via Portal Service: CargoSmart and GT Nexus
 c. YM Web Platform (Developing and will announce in later stage)
 d. Via data transmission of authorized third party, such as terminal operators who accept nomination from shippers.
 e. Document in paper through Email/Fax… etc. (Not Recommended)
Data elements required by Yang Ming for VGM submission include:
Booking Number
Container Number
VGM Weight
Shipper Name
Unit of Measurement (KG or LBS)
Name of Authorized Person (Signatory)
VGM Verification Date (Optional)
Shipper Address (Optional)

It is not recommended to use such channels. If needed, please contact each local agent/office for the receiver of such information.

Strict observance to "VGM rule" is required. Any extra cost, risk and liability incurred as a consequence of failure to provide VGM shall be borne by shipper. Any container without VGM submitted before cut-off time will not be loaded aboard ship. ( NO VGM，NO LOAD )

No. Combined or separate submissions are both acceptable, but it should be carried out before VGM cut-off time. It is recommended that our customers submit VGM as soon as possible lest the container fails to be loaded due belated submission.

In order not to affect vessel operation, shipper has to submit VGM to Yang Ming before container gate-in, and the cut-off time for the submission of final revision should be 24HRs before the vessel arrived the loading port (estimated arrival time). However, every terminal/port may adjust the time according to the local practice.

It depends on each terminal's gate-in policy. However, VGM shall be submitted before cut-off time without fail. Any container without VGM or submitted VGM after cut-off time will not be loaded aboard ship and any extra cost, risk and liability incurred as a consequence of failure to provide VGM in time shall be borne by the shipper.

Yes. VGM of transshipped unit is required. Only the container with VGM is allowed to be loaded aboard the connecting vessel. If the VGM has been submitted to Yang Ming according to the required procedure (Question 8), Yang Ming will relay it to transshipment ports.

It is acceptable to revised VGM before cut-off time, but the cost, risk, and liability thus incurred shall be borne by shipper.

Shippers must provide accurate VGM according to "VGM rule". Any container with estimated weight is not allowed. However, we learned that different countries/areas might have different rules for VGM's tolerance and therefore recommend our customer shall pay attention to and follow those rules.

VGM is still obligatory. There is a difference between the definition of gross weight on B/L and VGM. Gross weight refers to total cargo weight while VGM includes tare weight of container and the mass of pallets, dunnage and other securing material to be packed in the container. The application is different either. The gross weight is applied mainly in trade business such as customs declaration, B/L making, etc. while VGM is applied to vessel stowage plan according to "VGM rule".

Gross weight refers to total cargo weight while Max. Gross Weight refers to the maximum total weight allowed for each container, including cargo and related mass of pallets, dunnage, etc as well as container tare weight.

If a loaded container is found exceeding Max. Gross Weight, this container will not be loaded aboard ship even with the proper VGM documentation.

Yang Ming is not obliged to verify or check the accuracy of declared VGM. However, if Yang Ming finds the declared VGM is different with its actual weight, Yang Ming is entitled to request the shipper re-submit new VGM or reject the container. All costs, risks and liabilities thus incurred shall be borne by shipper.

Yang Ming will not provide such service.

Under general circumstances, VGM data transmission is "Shipper →Carrier →Terminal". If customer authorized the terminal to provide such information, the flow is then "Terminal → Shipper →Carrier."

The latest version is updated on YM's website on Apr 12, 2016. Click here

YM is not responsible for providing the tare weight of SOC container, such as Tank, etc.

BB cargo shipment is not covered by the SOLAS VGM shipment.

More information with regards to “VGM” can be found on: Click here
If you still have questions, please feel free to contact our local representative.

The information herein arenot intended to amount to legal or technical advice to any person in general or about a specific case. Every effort is made to make them accurate and up to date. However, no responsibility is assumed for their accuracy nor for the views or opinions expressed, nor for any consequence of or reliance on them.