Crowley SOLAS Verified Gross Mass Regulations FAQs

2016-05-04

With less than 9 weeks to go, please remember to prepare for the implementation of the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention amendments that will take effect globally on July 1, 2016. The SOLAS amendments will require every loaded shipping container with an international destination to have a verified gross mass documented before it can be stowed aboard a vessel.

The responsibility for obtaining and documenting the verified gross weight (VGM) of a loaded container lies with the shipper.

This worldwide regulation will apply to all containers that are to be loaded onto cargo vessels in any U.S. or foreign port for international trade. However, this process will not apply to trade to and from Puerto Rico and the U.S. trade. However, it will apply from Puerto Rico to the U.S. Virgin Islands trade and to all other international destinations. The full SOLAS definitions and regulations can be viewed here.

Cargo and containers failing to comply with these regulations risk being delayed from shipping. If shippers are not ready to comply with this requirement, Crowley can offer this service for an additional charge. To help prepare our shippers and prevent unnecessary delays and congestion at the port Crowley has created a SOLAS Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section on our website, here.

We encourage you to review these FAQs to help provide more clarity on the amendments and what is required for you to successfully implement the new weight regulations.