Understanding Verified Gross Mass (VGM) In Shipping

Have you ever wondered how the maritime industry ensures the safety and efficiency of shipping worldwide? One key factor is the Verified Gross Mass (VGM) of containers. 

Let's delve into why VGM is so significant in shipping, the regulations governing it, and how it plays a crucial role in enhancing maritime safety.

What is Verified Gross Mass - VGM in Shipping?

Verified Gross Mass, or VGM, is the total weight of a shipping container, including the weight of all cargo, packaging, and the container's tare weight. 

Why is this measurement so crucial? 

Accurate VGM ensures that ships are loaded safely and efficiently, avoiding issues like tipping, instability, or structural stress. In other words, it's the difference between a smooth, uneventful voyage and a potential disaster at sea. 

It is the foundation of safe maritime logistics, pivotal in preventing accidents that could jeopardise lives, cargo, and vessels. In essence, it's the safety net that keeps our seas secure.

Why Reporting Verified Gross Mass (VGM) is Essential in Shipping?

Let’s explore why it's essential to report VGM, shedding light on its significance in ensuring the safe transport of goods across our oceans.

The Critical Need for Accuracy in Weight Declarations

Imagine a scenario where even a slight miscalculation in the weight of containers on a vessel can lead to severe consequences. As a logistics professional, your role in reporting VGM is crucial. Incorrect weight declarations have historically led to accidents, jeopardising the vessel's safety and everyone on board. 

It's like balancing a scale; too much weight on one side, and everything tips over. By accurately reporting the VGM, you ensure that the ship maintains balance and stability, making it safe for navigation.

Impact on Maritime Safety and Cargo Integrity

It's a common misconception that a few pallets' weight couldn't affect a gigantic ship. 

However, consider this: an average cargo ship transports between 10,000 and 21,000 containers. Misreported weights across multiple containers can cumulatively lead to significant errors, affecting the ship's stability and structural integrity. 

The reporting of VGM since 2016, mandated by the International Maritime Organization under the SOLAS Convention, addresses this issue directly. 

By ensuring that the weight of every container is declared accurately, ships can avoid overloading and uneven distribution of cargo.

Enhancing Ship Stability and Operational Efficiency

Reporting VGM not only contributes to the safety of maritime operations but also enhances operational efficiency. Accurate weight data allows for better planning and utilising space on a ship, ensuring that each vessel can carry its maximum capacity without compromising safety. 

Moreover, with precise VGM reporting, carriers can reduce the amount of undeclared weight, leading to improved stability calculations. This accuracy is vital for the ship’s journey and ensuring that your cargo reaches its destination without incident, directly impacting your business's reputation and profitability.

Understanding the critical impact of accurate weight declarations can be daunting. Utilise Pazago Fulfilled for insightful data and streamlined operations to ensure your cargo integrity and compliance with maritime safety regulations.

Also Read: Understanding Different Types of Logistics in Supply Chain Management

Methods to VGM in Shipping

Let's dive into how this is accomplished with precision and adherence to international standards.

Accepted Methods of Weighing VGM in Shipping

The amendment to SOLAS Regulation VI/2, which took effect on July 1, 2016, mandates the verification of VGM for every container before it is loaded onto a ship. 

This regulation was established in response to safety concerns linked to past accidents caused by weight discrepancies. Here are the two primary methods authorised for verifying VGM:

Method 1: Weighing the fully loaded container

This approach involves placing the wholly packed and sealed container on a calibrated and certified scale. 

It is straightforward and accurately captures the total weight (cargo, packing materials, and tare weight). This method is preferred for its simplicity and reliability.

Method 2: Calculate the weight of the cargo and container separately 

This method requires weighing the contents of the container independently and then adding the total weight of the container as provided by the shipping line. 

It demands meticulous record-keeping and precision in calculation to ensure the total gross mass is accurately reported. It offers flexibility for shippers dealing with various types of cargo.

Navigating these methods can be simplified with Pazago, which facilitates handling complex documentation and makes VGM verification smoother for exporters and importers.

Responsibilities in Reporting  VGM in Shipping Cargo

Accurate, verified gross mass (VGM) reporting is critical in maritime shipping to ensure safety and compliance. Here’s a concise breakdown of the roles and responsibilities involved in VGM reporting.

The Shipper's Obligation to Measure and Report VGM

As a shipper, it’s your responsibility to accurately measure and report the Verified Gross Mass of your containers using certified and calibrated methods. This ensures the vessel remains balanced and stable at sea, safeguarding your cargo and all onboard.

Process of Submitting VGM through Shipping Documents

Submitting the VGM involves a series of steps governed by SOLAS amendments and related guidelines:

• Mandatory Declaration: You must declare the VGM as it is required to load containers onto a ship. This declaration is crucial for the ship's stability and for meeting safety regulations.
• Document Submission: The VGM must be clearly stated in the shipping documents, which you then submit to the shipmaster or their representative and the terminal representative.
• Timing of Submission: It’s vital to submit the VGM well in advance to facilitate the preparation of the ship stowage plan. Proper timing helps avoid delays and ensures smoother operations at the port.

Also Read: Understanding the Freight Forwarding Process: Key Stages and Types

Role of the Shipmaster in VGM Documentation

• Ensuring Compliance: The shipmaster verifies that all containers onboard have the proper VGM documentation before loading. This step is crucial for compliance with safety regulations.
• Verification and Documentation: The shipmaster ensures that the VGM is communicated through the shipping documents well before stowage planning. While the shipper provides the VGM, the shipmaster checks its documentation's accuracy and completeness.
• Handling Non-compliance: If a container arrives without a verified gross mass (VGM), it can only be loaded once the VGM is obtained. In such cases, the shipmaster or their representative and the terminal representative might arrange for the container to be weighed at the terminal or another agreed-upon location.
• Loading Software and Planning: The shipmaster uses loading plan software that integrates the VGM of each cargo. This integration is essential for planning the vessel’s layout and ensuring its stability during the voyage.
• Record Keeping: VGM records are maintained until the end of the voyage and for at least three months after that, ensuring a traceable compliance record.

Dealing with the intricacies of VGM reporting can overwhelm even the most experienced shippers. Pazago offers a comprehensive solution to alleviate this burden, improving operational efficiency and compliance.

Also Read: Understanding Transportation Charges and Their Different Types

VGM in Practice

Let’s explore the practical aspects of VGM handling, from accurate measurement to proper documentation and amendment processes.

Details Required on VGM Instructions

What details must be included in VGM instructions? Submitting the VGM involves more than just providing the weight. The documentation must include:

• Booking / Bill of Lading (BL) No.: Identifies the shipment to which the container belongs.
• Container No.: Specific identifier for the container being weighed.
• Verified Gross Mass (VGM): The actual weight of the container.
• Unit of Measurement: Must specify kilograms (kg) or pounds (lb).
• Authorised Person’s Signatory: The signature of the responsible person is written in capital letters.
• Responsible Party Name: The name of the entity responsible for the VGM declaration (optional).
• Date of Declaration: When the VGM was declared (optional).
• Method of Weighing: Whether Method 1 (total container weight) or Method 2 (contents plus tare weight) was used.
• Weighing Party Name: The entity that performed the weighing (optional).
• Additional Information/Documents: Any other requirements specified by local government authorities.

Also Read: Understanding Customs Clearance Fees and Procedures in India

Handling Changes in Submitted VGM Data

How do we handle amendments to VGM data? If an error in the submitted VGM data is discovered or changes to the cargo require an update, the process to amend the VGM is straightforward but crucial:

• Notification: Inform the shipmaster or terminal representative about the change immediately.
• Documentation: Submit a revised VGM document, mirroring the initial submission requirements with updated signatures and timestamps.
• Timeliness: Ensure that updates are communicated promptly to avoid impacting the shipping schedule and to maintain compliance with safety regulations.

Ensuring all these details are accurately included in VGM instructions can be a meticulous task. Pazago's trade management platform, Pazago Portal, can simplify this process and ensure that your documentation is thorough and compliant.

Also Read: Inbound Dock Management in Supply Chain

The Consequences of Missing the VGM Reporting Deadline

If the VGM is not reported by the deadline, your container will not be loaded onto the ship. This adherence to the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) regulations ensures that all cargo on board is accounted for and adequately documented. 

As a consequence, your cargo might remain at the port, accruing various charges:

• Storage Fees: Containers that remain docked incur daily storage fees.
• Demurrage Charges: Additional charges may apply if the container occupies space beyond the allotted time.
• Re-booking Fees: If your container misses its scheduled ship, you may need to pay re-booking fees for a later departure.

How Does Consistent VGM Compliance Affect Your Business?

Regularly failing to meet VGM reporting deadlines can tarnish your reputation with shipping lines and port authorities. Potential long-term effects include:

• Increased Scrutiny: Shipping companies may monitor your shipments more closely if you have a history of non-compliance.
• Service Refusals: In severe cases, carriers might refuse to service your shipping needs due to reliability concerns.

Avoid the hassle of missing VGM reporting deadlines and incurring unnecessary charges with Pazago's efficient logistics and financial services to keep your shipping processes on schedule and within budget.

Conclusion

In maritime shipping, accurate Verified Gross Mass (VGM) reporting is crucial for compliance and the safety and efficiency of the global supply chain. As industry stakeholders, it is imperative to uphold these standards diligently. 

Embracing thorough VGM practices enhances operational efficiency and safety across the seas. Let's strictly adhere to VGM regulations, ensuring a safer, more reliable maritime industry for everyone involved.