Verified Gross Mass
Introduction of Verified Gross Mass (VGM)
Background
The MSC NAPOLI disaster of 2007, stranded near the waters of the Strait of Singapore, was caused by many
overweight containers. This was the actual starting point for discussing the necessity of stricter rules
on container weight declaration and the IMO intervened to develop further measures in order to secure the
safe operation of containerships.
IMO / SOLAS VGM Regulation
After a series of discussions, the IMO's Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) at its 93rd session (May 2014)
approved the proposal and at the 94th session (November 2014), adopted the amendment to SOLAS (the Safety of
Life at Sea) Chapter VI, to require the mandatory verification of the gross weight of containers. The
SOLAS-VGM came into effect on 1 July 2016.
What is Verified Gross Mass (VGM)
Verified Gross Mass is the shipper declared total gross mass of a packed container. This total weight not
only consists of the weight of all packaging and cargo items, but also all additional loading equipment.
VGM Submission
Scope :
All export containers (excluding Empty and T/S containers)
Methods of Weighing :
(Method 1) Weigh the packed container on an accredited weighbridge
(Method 2) Weigh the empty container and its contents including lashing materials
separately, and add those weights to get the total VGM.
(Method 2) Weigh the empty container and its contents including lashing materials
separately, and add those weights to get the total VGM.
Cut-Off :
24 hours prior to vessel berthing at loading port
Channels :
Website, VERMAS(Verification of Mass), EDI, Email or Fax
Responsible Party :
The ‘Shipper’ named on the Bill of Lading
Please refer to the attached customer advisory, for more details in HMM VGM process.
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