DP World Sokhna, located just south of the Suez Canal, has announced the early adoption of the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) amendment by providing VGM declarations, in its move to become a key hub for maritime transport, according to Middle Eastern Reuters arm, Zawya.
John Fewer, CEO of DP World Sokhna, said: “At DP World Sokhna, we are leaders in VGM clearance as part of our ongoing efforts to enhance safety levels, facilitate cargo handling and accelerate trade movement. Safety of Life at Sea should be a top priority for all parties involved in maritime logistics. It is a common responsibility and all stakeholders should join forces to achieve this goal.”
This follows news that DP World’s global terminals were to have certified container weighing solutions implemented in preparation for the new rule.
Strainstall had recently secured a major order from DP World Southampton for its container weighing system. The order was the first major commitment by a global container terminal.
Currently, the container weighing regulation, which came into force on July 1, 2016, has manifested concerns with regards to VGM declarations.
Shippers have voiced frustrations that carriers and forwarders are using VGM declarations to increase revenues unfairly.
China is also struggling with declarations, after forwarder Kuenhe + Nagel found that 50% of VGM submissions submitted through its online portal are incomplete.
