Verified Gross Mass (VGM)
In 2016, amendments to the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) convention made it mandatory for all packed containers to provide a Verified Gross Mass (VGM) before being loaded onto the vessel. The implementation of VGM regulations was meant to enhance safety in maritime transport and reduce the dangers to all stakeholders involved in container transport.
Shippers are responsible for providing the VGM of containers before the cut-off date. This requirement is to facilitate vessel planning and ensure containers are stowed securely on ships to prevent accidents.
There are two methods to measure VGM.
The first method would be to measure the whole cargo once it has been packed. This requires using supporting equipment such as a prime mover or a trailer.
VGM = Total weight from weighbridge – weight of prime mover (if weighed) – weight of trailer (if weighed)
The second method weighs the cargo with any lashing or packaging, before adding it to the container’s tare weight, as indicated on the container’s door end.
VGM = Cargo net weight + Lashing /Packaging weight + Container Tare Weight
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