IMO Sub-Committee on DSG, 18th session, 16-20 September 2013
The World Shipping Council (WSC) congratulates the Dangerous Goods, Solid Cargo and Containers(DSC) Sub-committee of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for approving proposedchanges to the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) convention that will require verification of container weightsbefore loaded containers are placed aboard ships.
Misdeclared container weights have been a long-standingproblem for the transportation industry and for governments as they present safety hazards for ships, theircrews, and other cargo on board, workers in the port facilities handling containers, and on roads.
“We have worked with the IMO to address the problem of incorrect container weights for over sixyears and now with the input of many governments and industry organizations, including responsible shipperassociations, we are pleased that the SOLAS amendments and related implementation guidelines have beenapproved by the DSC. We appreciate the efforts of all involved,” said WSC President & CEO, Chris Koch.
Headded, “We look forward to approval by the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) in May 2014 and the finaladoption in November 2014. The container shipping industry will continue to work with all supply chainstakeholders on the processes necessary to ensure smooth implementation, which could occur in July 2016.”
See http://www.worldshipping.org/industry-issues/safety/cargo-weight for more information about thecontainer weighing issue