The conference room at the SAJ was packed to capacity for the VGM seminar.
As the clock ticks down to the July 1, 2016 implementation of new international weight rules for shipping containers, Kingston Wharves Limited (KWL) has announced a new certified service to provide certified gross mass (VGM) for all full container load shipments exported from its terminal.
KWL says its new weighbridge – conveniently located on its terminal in Newport West – incorporates best-in-class precision technology and equipment. The new service allows for a single submission of the VGM information by exporters. This is electronically transferred to the shipping lines and to the port’s wharfage department for the payment of export charges either at KWL’s Kingport Building offices or online.
VERIFY AND COMMUNICATE
KWL has outlined the process by which exporters/shippers can verify and communicate the VGM of loaded export containers utilising its new service:
- The truck, with loaded container, enters the terminal and is processed by security and issued with an entry pick ticket, as customary, without the dock receipt being validated at Kingport. *The container is to arrive at the port at least three days before sailing.
- The trucker proceeds to the new terminal weighbridge with the loaded container to determine the VGM.
- The trucker or exporter representative will be issued with a scale receipt with the VGM. The VGM is electronically provided to the shipping lines and the port’s wharfage department.
- Customers are required to settles charges at least 48 hours before vessel departure using any of the following options:
- Proceed to the KWL’s Kingport Building offices and settle charges.
- E-payment, whereby customers may view and pay charges online.
Misdeclaration of cargo weight is a major hazard which often results in structural damages to ships and also poses a significant risk to the lives of staff involved in loading and offloading cargo.
The International Maritime Organisation has amended the Safety of Life at Sea convention mandating the declaration of the VGM of a packed container before loading on board vessels within a prescribed cut-off date/time to the shipping line and/or port terminal authorities.
Effective July 1, all containers without this verification run the risk of being left on the pier.
Credit: The SAJ Shipping Feature
Published: Tuesday | June 14, 2016 |
