New IMO container weight verification regulations from July 1
Regional countries such as Singapore and India have had information sessions with the the IMO and relevant stakeholders in 2015 andthe government authorities have had a suitable lead time to implement the regulation and ensure that the terminals are compliant with safety regulations. Industry expert and the market manager of container weighing at LASSTEC, The International Maritime Organization highlighted that if Sri Lanka is planning to be a South Asian Megalopolis, it is necessary the country should follow global regulations to meet international standards and requirements.
This was revealed at a Forum conducted by the European Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka to create the awareness of authorities on the importance of resolving several key issues pertaining to Sri Lankan shippers, freight forwarders,vessel operators and terminal operators when handling cargo containers.
Accordingly, the International Maritime Organization will make an amendment to the Safety of Life at Sea Agreement (SOLAS) for the benefit of shippers, freight forwarders, vessel operators and terminal operators in the country from July 1.
The Forum was conducted in collaboration with the Shipper’s Academy Colombo under the theme “ECCSL Maritime Forum 2016’.
According to the programme, shippers, freight forwarders, vessel operators and terminal operators will be provided an insight into new IMO container weight verification regulations.
Speaking at the opening session, Sri Lankan Shippers Academy CEO Rohan Masakorala highlighted several important issues, faced by shippers, freight forwarders,vessel operators and terminal operators when handling containers.He said the amendments are mandatory for the gross mass of containers be verified and no estimations will be permitted.
He said this can be done by either weighing the packed container or weighing all packages and cargo items using a certified method that an authority of the state.
He said if shipping document does not state the verified gross mass and the terminal representatives have not obtained the verified gross mass of the container it shall not be loaded on to the ship.
“The onus falls on the shipper to obtain and document the verified gross weights of a packed container and currently, the terminals only confirm the approximate weight to ensure that the container weight falls within the safety parameters.
Even though the shippers declare the weight of the packed container in the customs documentation it is not strictly enforced.
He said this can be done by either weighing the packed container or weighing all packages and cargo items using a certified method that an authority of the state has approved.
However at last the parties affected are shippers, freight forwarders, vessel operators and terminal operators.
He further said currently, the terminals only confirm the ‘approximate’ weight to ensure that the container weight falls within the safety parameters.
“Even though shippers declare the weight of the packed container in the Customs documentation it is not strictly enforced”.
IMO’s Maritime Safety Division technical officer Lokus Kontogiannis also participated in a video conference from London on substandard and damaged containers and also measures to be taken to prevent loss of containers.He also took part in a question and answer session from IMO headquarters.
Kontogiannis outlined the IMO mandated regulation changes and provided an insight to solutions that other countries have implemented.
Masakorala also highlighted his technical knowledge on the logistical effects and solutions that can be implemented.
