For the shippers who have failed to comply with the upcoming SOLAS amendment, which is due to come into effect on July 1, 2016, Orient Overseas Container Lines (OOCL) has stated that it will weigh containers at a high cost, according to JOC.com.
OOCL said in a statement: “In our commitment to safety, packed containers will be randomly selected for weighing to check against the VGM submitted by the shipper.”
It was previously reported that PSA International is to offer container weighing services at all of its terminals in order to assist with a smooth transition into compliance with the new rule.
Global Ports Investments PLC has also prepared for the new rule with the preparation of information systems and processes of its terminals.
Freight forwarder Kuehne + Nagel had recently announced that it had selected INTTRA for implementing an e-solution for submitting VGM data to carriers.
This follows news that the IMO has proposed a three-month delay to allow the industry to better prepare for compliance.
It has also been found that successful compliance of the new rule will depend on close cooperation and communication with governments and all industry stakeholders.
