VGM – SOLAS Requirements Update

As of July 01, 2016, the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) regulation introduced by the IMO (International Maritime Organization) has been in effect for all ship operators to ensure shippers provide the Verified Gross Mass (VGM) of every packed container loaded on a ship. You may consult the complete SOLAS regulation at the following Transport Canada website:

The VGM (Verified Gross Mass) is the combined weight of freight, dunnage, and the carrier container weights. It is imperative that all shippers provide and indicate the VGM on the bill of lading in order to be compliant. The VGM must be indicated and signed/confirmed on the document as follows:

Cargo Weight1 + Container Tare Weight = VGM

1   Cargo Weight means the combined mass of the masses of all packages and cargo items, including pallets, dunnage and other packing material and securing materials packed into the container.

Oceanex has been working closely with our service providers and customers to ensure compliance. The most cost effective and efficient solution is for shippers to combine cargo weight with container tare weights indicated on the bill of lading. Oceanex can also provide a container scale option for a fee of $55.00 but please note that there may be a delay causing the shipment to miss ship departure.

Should you have any questions or require further information you may also contact your Account Manager.

Thank you.