With just 50 days until SOLAS Verified Gross Mass (VGM)comes into force, APM Terminals announced that it will provide VGM Generation Services to supply chain partners at 29 loactions globally.
The purpose of the VGM regulations is to assure safety of the vessel, as well as dockworkers and other cargo handlers by preventing overweight or otherwise misrepresented containers from jeopardizing shipments orcontainer movements.
“Our first priority remains to ensure safe and efficient operations for the supply chain,” stated APM Terminals Head of Global Operations, Jack Craig
“it is crucial that these regulations are met in a way which does not create congestion bottlenecks that ultimately impose additional risk and cost for all stakeholders”, he added.
APM Terminals teams are in dialogue with local regulatory authorities who are providing increasing clarity on national rules governing how to ensure compliance. Operational procedures and processes are being reviewed to ensure VGM Process Compliance throughout the APM Terminals Global Terminal Network. APM Terminals is planning to provide VGM Data Management capabilities in most facilities through accepting EDI transmissions of VGM information into terminal operating systems from the shipping lines prior to vessel load planning.
Export containers which are received at APM Terminal facilities with a valid VGM will be accepted as per current local operational procedures.Those export containers which arrive at APM Terminal facilities without a valid VGM will be generally accepted, but as they are ineligible to load on a vessel, may be segregated and subject to additional re-handling and storage requirements.
Source & Image Credit: APM Terminals
