In view of the recent easing of the SOLAS VGM requirements, specifically the Terminal Weighing Approach (TWA) where carriers will accept the weight from the terminal and not the shipper, we will no longer require the Verified Gross Mass (VGM) Certification distributed earlier this month.
We now ask that our North American client shippers either:
(a) use the MIQ Shipper’s Letter of Instruction (SLI) or, should the client shipper prefer to use its own form(s),
(b) sign and return the MIQ Amended Terms and Conditions acknowledging that
(i) MIQ is entitled to rely on the accuracy of weights provided by the shipper and
(ii) agreeing to indemnify and hold MIQ harmless from any and all claims, all claims, losses, penalties or other costs resulting from any incorrect or questionable statements of the weight provided on which MIQ or its agent relies.
What is SOLAS? The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) is an international maritime safety treaty. It ensures that ships flagged by signatory States comply with minimum safety standards in construction, equipment and operation. The SOLAS Convention in its successive forms is generally regarded as the most important of all international treaties concerning the safety of merchant ships.
MIQ will monitor the Carriers & Ports to determine if they will follow the Ocean Carrier Equipment Management Association (“OCEMA”) amended Recommended Best Practice for the Acceptance and Transmission of Verified Gross Mass (VGM) to include a Terminal Weighing Approach (TWA).
MIQ Logistics has compiled additional information about VGM which also includes information pertaining to cutoff times, as well as charges related to SOLAS weight certification, this document can be accessed here.
MIQ Logistics is closely monitoring the SOLAS Container Weight Verification Requirements and will provide additional guidance on our Ocean Freight Forwarding Market Update page, as they become available.
For more information, please contact your local MIQ Logistics representative.