Twitter Facebook Youtube Instagram LinkedIn

SOLAS VGM Compliance

Compliance of amendment in SOLAS Chapter VI, Regulation 2 and the associated IMO Guidelines regarding Verified Gross Mass (VGM) at JNP Container Terminal

1. Amendment in SOLAS Chapter VI, Regulation 2 and the associated IMO Guidelines regarding Verified Gross Mass (VGM) effective 01-October-2016

The IMO Guidelines regarding Verified Gross Mass (VGM) of a container carrying cargo (MSC.1/Circ.1475) and adoption of Amendment to SOLAS Regulation VI/2 to necessitate mandatory verification of the gross mass of packed containers (Resolution MSC.380(94)) introducing two main new requirements, i.e.

  • The shipper is responsible for providing the verified gross weight by stating it in the shipping document and submitting it to the master or his representative and to the terminal      representative sufficiently in advance to be used in the preparation of the ship stowage plan; and
  • The Verified Gross Mass (VGM) is a condition for loading a packed container onto a ship.
(Note: The amendment does not apply to empty containers).

2. Compliance of JNP Container Terminal for Amendment to SOLAS by IMO

  • JNP Container Terminal has implemented the Amendment to SOLAS regarding VGM with effect from 26-September-2016 (though it was mandatory 01-October-2016 as per IMO Advice released vide their Circular No. MSC.1/Circ,1548, dated 23 May 2016).
  • JNP Container Terminal shall obtain the Verified Gross Mass (VGM) of the packed container (that have been done by weighing the packed container elsewhere), from the Vessel Operating Agencies (VOA) electronically in the VERMAS File in UNEDIFACT Format as prescribed in the Standard Operating Procedure of the Terminal.
  • JNP Container Terminal and its Terminal Operating System conform to the amendments to SOLAS in respect of Verified Gross Mass (VGM) requirements and is equipped to process “VERMAS” Massage Version 0.4 and Baplie Version 2.2 (in & out both).
  • The Vessel Operating Agency shall submit the “VERMAS” Message Version 0.4 along with Export Advance List (both for export containers) and In-Baplie Version 2.2 (which caters the information on VGM of “on board / through” containers also) to the Terminal for further processing VERMAS message file and EAL as per existing procedure and prepares export containers load plan in accordance with pre-stowage / Movinns submitted by the VOA.
  • The export containers without VGM details cannot be released for planning and loading the onboard vessels.
  • Upon loading of containers (released for export) on board, Out-Baplie version 2.2 is issued by the Terminal to the VOA as per existing practice.
  • There is no change in the existing procedure / TOS formats for pre-gate (online) / gate-in for receipt of export containers by road or for pre-advice (online) / rake arrival information for receipt of export containers by rail. Similarly, Export e-FORM-13 format is the same and VGM details need to be entered in the field specified for that purpose.
  • Whereas, UNEDIFACT messages such as COARRI Version 1.6 and CODECO Version 2.1 (comprising VGM details) will be delivered by the Terminal to the concerned Container Handling Agencies as per existing practice/rationality.
  • There is no additional financial implication on its Customers in the process adapted for VGM compliance by JNP Container Terminal.