Verified Gross Mass Circular - Flinders Adelaide Container Terminal

MARCH 2016
VERIFIED
GROSS MASS
(FACT)’S & FAQS
Adelaide Terminal - Implementation SOLAS amendments effective 1 July 2016
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6.
Overview
Shipper, Packer, Transport Co FAQ’s
PRA Example
Shipping Line FAQ’s
General FAQ’s / SOLAS Links
Local Weighbridges
New SOLAS Regulations
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) will soon enforce
the new SOLAS weight regulations approved by the Maritime Safety
Committee in 2014. This new regulation will enhance the standards
of safety and reliability within the shipping industry. The regulation
will come into effect on 1st July 2016.
Who needs to provide a VGM?
Poor Practice
The accurate weight of containers
is not always provided by shippers. The
incorrect declaration of container weight
The new regulation requires shippers to be responsible for verifying
and providing the Verified Gross Mass (VGM) in advance of the
container arriving at the terminal. Under the new regulations Flinders
Adelaide Container Terminal (FACT) will be prohibited from receiving
(or loading) a container without the required VGM in place on any
vessel that is bound to the SOLAS convention.
What do shippers need to do?
This information can be relayed to the Flinders Adelaide Container
Terminal via the Pre-Receival Advice (PRA) as long as the shipper (or
appointed party) identifies either one of the two methods they have
used to verify the VGM.
has led to accidents and continues to pose
significant risks to both landside and
maritime workers.
JULY 1 2016
CURRENT
PRACTICE
How do I advise which
method I have used?
or
Process
Process
When lodging the PRA through the FACT
website you will note at the bottom of the
PRA options clearly marked “Method 1” or
“Method 2”. Simply check the appropriate
box applicable to your chosen method
along with the name of the individual
making the declaration.
The shipper (or a third party
appointed by shipper) weighs the
packed container at
The shipper (or a third party
appointed by shipper) weighs all
packages, cargo items, pallets,
dunnage and other packing &
How do I lodge a PRA
with FACT?
the end of the packing operation once
the seal is fixed using calibrated and
certified equipment.
securing material - then adds the tare
mass of the container. The total sum
finally obtained is the weight to be
provided.
If you are a regular shipper you would
already be familiar with the FACT website
and how to lodge a PRA. The process is
the same, however if you do not identify
the individual responsible for packing the
container along with the “method” - the
PRA will be rejected.
METHOD
METHOD
Both methods are subject to weighing equipment
being calibrated and certified by an approved body.
I send my PRA’s to Flinders Adelaide Container Terminal by
electronic messaging (EDI). How will these changes affect me?
If you are currently sending Pre Receival Advices (PRA’s) by electronic messaging we will need to make some adjustment to the message
type which we receive to include the “Method” and the authorised individual. We are currently working with 1-Stop to develop a
message type that will be common across both platforms - 1-Stop & FACT. Once we have finalised this message type we will make the
necessary changes to our system to receive this EDI.
For more information about new Verified Gross Mass Regulations and lodgement via the
FACT Website visit www.flindersact.com.au or contact the VBS Clerk on 08 8248 9304.
Shipper, Packer & Transport Co - FAQ’s
What is Verified Gross Mass (VGM)?
Verified Gross Mass means that the weight of each packed container must be proven. This Verified Gross Weight must not
only consider the masses of all packages and cargo items, but the container tare and all additional loading equipment (e.g.
lashing material) too.
Who is responsible to provide a Verified Gross Mass to FACT?
The regulation clearly stipulates that the shipper is responsible, being further defined as the shipper noted on the Bill of
Lading (BOL). Since this can also be the freight forwarder, clear agreements as to the responsibility should be made
between the parties involved. In the case of a consolidation, only the consolidator, which is not the original shipper, is in
the position to provide the final weight.
How can VGM be determined?
There are two ways to determine a VGM in accordance with the new SOLAS regulation:
Method 1: Weighing the container after it has been completely packed and sealed. The weighing can be
performed by the shipper or by a third party contracted by the shipper.
Any scale, weighbridge, lifting equipment or other devices used to verify the gross mass of the container must
meet the applicable accuracy standards and requirements of the state in which the equipment is being used
Method 2: Calculating All packages and cargo items may be weighed individually (including the mass of pallets,
dunnage and other packing and securing material) and must be added to the tare of the container visible on the
exterior of the container.
The method used for weighing the container’s contents is subject to the certification and approval as determined by the
competent authority of the state in which the packing and sealing of the container were completed.
Any weighing equipment used to weigh the contents of the container must meet the applicable accuracy standards and
requirements of the state in which the equipment is being used.
What changes will be made to the FACT Web based PRA?
An example of the proposed changes to the FACT PRA can be seen on the following page of this publication. The main
changes are highlighted by the green staggered lines. The PRA will not be accepted until all of the mandatory fields are
completed. Even though these changes do not come into effect until July 1 st 2016, FACT has decided to implement the
redesigned PRA in advance of the commencement date in order to familiarise users with the new format. Remember:
Nothing is legally binding until July 1st 2016 - so until that date we are simply conducting a familiarisation exercise.
As the shippers nominated packer and the transport company for this container - the shipper currently gives me access
to their PRA via the FACT Website to update such information as container #, seal #, weights etc. Under the proposed
regulations will this change?
No. The PRA system will work exactly as it does now. The shipper by creating the draft PRA on the FACT website and then
nominating your organisation as either the packer or transport co for this particular container will give you access to
update the PRA. In this instance effectively you become their authorised third party and can change the details on the PRA
- including the VGM. Please note as the authorised third party you will become the signatory for the PRA and you will need
to ensure that proper protocols are followed in line with the new SOLAS regulations.
Will FACT have the capability to weigh containers at the terminal?
Currently FACT operates a number of straddle carriers with the capability of weighing containers. We are currently testing
their suitability of the straddles to accurately weigh containers and then relay this information into our Terminal Operating
System. There is a possibility this service may be available by July 1st 2016 but if not we believe we will have the capability
in the foreseeable future. We will keep you posted about these developments.
VERIFIED GROSS MASS - PRA CHANGES
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) will soon enforce the new
SOLAS weight regulations approved by the Maritime Safety Committee in 2014.
This PRA has been amended to reflect the changes required under these
regulations - but does not come into effect (or is legally binding) until 1st July
2016. In preparation we have made alterations to the PRA in order for you to
familiarise yourself with the changes that will come into effect post July 1st
2016.
*
Verified Gross Mass of Container (kg)*
CT Container:
O/Width Right (cm)
O/Width Left (cm)
(please complete First & Last Name in CAPITAL LETTERS*
I
the authorised shipper or third party appointed by the shipper hereby declare this
container has been weighed using one of the two methods required under SOLAS Regulations.
Method 1
Method 2
I hereby certify the above Verified Gross Mass Declaration is true and correct.*
NOTE: for further details about changes to SOLAS Regulations and Method 1 & 2 - please follow this link.
Shipper, Packer & Transport Co - FAQ’s cont.
How will FACT relay this weight information back to the shipper/exporter and the shipping line?
On the basis we can offer this service we would make the weight available to the exporter via the FACT website and to the
shipping line via EDI transmission and the FACT website.
Will FACT charge for this weighing service?
Once we have ascertained the straddles suitability to weigh these containers we would offer this service for a fee. Most
likely it would be invoiced to the shipper via the transport company thru the VBS System. We will provide this detail at a
later date closer to the VGM deadline once we are clearer about our capabilities.
Shipping Line - FAQ’s
How will the terminal advise the shipping line of individual containers declared Verified Gross Mass weight?
When the container is gated (arrives) at the terminal a CODECO message will be generated by the Terminal Operating
System direct to the shipping line. Remember the terminal will not accept a container unless we already have the VGM in
our system before the container arrives. The CODECO message is the same message type already in use with the existing
system - the only change being this weight declaration will now be referred to as the VGM.
Will there be VGM visibility through the FACT Website prior to the container gating at the terminal?
Yes. As long as the shipper/exporter has completed the Pre-Receival Advice, visibility of individual container VGM’s will be
available through the PRA Tab on the FACT website. You will need to select the PRA Tab - Vessel, then Booking # and you
can drill down to individual container level. However, be careful using this weight as it may change prior to the container
arriving at the terminal. The shipper or appointed third parties can change the VGM anytime up until the container has
gated at the terminal. The final VGM weight can only be truly ascertained at this point.
Will I be able to view and download entire vessels individual container VGM’s on the FACT website?
Yes. Individual containers can be viewed under the Vessel Tab on the individual vessel Export Load List. Again this is no
change to the current practice except the “Weight” column now becomes the “VGM” column.
Will FACT provide a summarised version of the Container Load List on the FACT Website?
Yes. A summary of the entire vessel load list can be found on the Vessel Tab under Container Recap Report. Here you will
find a summary breakdown by Line, Port of Discharge, Container Size & Type and Quantity along with the Verified Gross
Mass by each variation. If you are the Vessel Operator you will also see your own export lift along with a breakdown of your
consortia partners load. This will all be summarised along with a Verified Gross Mass total for the entire Adelaide load for
the ship. At any point during the receival period you can accurately view the progressive VGM load for the vessel.
In the event that FACT decide to weigh containers at the terminal how will the VGM be relayed to the shipping line?
EDI transmission will be relayed by CODECO message type. The initial CODECO message will contain the typical gate
information but a subsequent CODECO message will be sent which will update the Verified Gross Mass. Real time visibility
will also be available thru the FACT website.
What if the VGM exceeds the maximum payload?
FACT cannot check the VGM against the payload of individual containers - it is up to the shipping line to check any VGM
against the maximum container payloads. Containers exceeding the maximum payload indicated on the Safety Approval
Plate and which are subject to the International Convention for Safe Containers (CSC) cannot be loaded onto the vessel.
The shipping line will need to advise FACT in instances where this has occurred and arrangements will be made for this
container to be removed from the terminal.
How will FACT inform the vessel of the stow plan VGM?
There is work currently underway to upgrade the current BAPLIE message to incorporate the VGM. FACT is in the process
of updating their system to handle this message type which will be ready for the July 1 st commencement date. This new
BAPLIE message type will be used to pass on VGM information to the vessel prior to departure.
General FAQ’s
What will happen if a verified weight is not provided?
Unless a VGM is provided on the PRA the container cannot be gated into FACT.
How can one prove that the submitted weight is a VGM?
The declared weight on the PRA will be accepted as the VGM and it must be signed by the shipper or a person duly
authorised by the shipper. Unless the PRA clearly states the VGM the container will not be received at FACT. The signature
may be an electronic signature in the case of an EDI transmission or may be replaced by the name in capital letters of the
person authorised to sign on the FACT PRA website.
What is the SOLAS Container Weight Verification Requirement?
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has amended the SOLAS regulations to require that container weights must
be verified prior to loading. The regulation will go into effect on July 1, 2016 when it will be a violation to load a packed
container on to a vessel if the operator and marine terminal do not have a verified container weight.
What is the purpose of the SOLAS amendment?
The SOLAS amendment was introduced to increase the safety of container vessels, improve vessel stability and reduce the
incidence of collapsing container stacks. With an estimated 10% of containers noting an incorrect weight, the regulation is
of particular importance for vessel operators as well as to avoid potential environmental damage.
Which authority raised the requirement?
The requirement to only ship containers with a VGM was raised by the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea
(SOLAS).
What is the scope of this new regulation?
The new regulation applies to: - All packed containers - to which the International Convention for Safe Containers (CSC)
applies and - which are to be loaded onto a ship subject to SOLAS Chapter VI.
When will the VGM requirement enter into force?
The new SOLAS requirement is valid from 1 July 2016.
Who is responsible for submitting the VGM to FACT or to the shipping line?
The shipper is responsible for the verification of the gross mass of a container as well as for ensuring that the VGM is
communicated to the terminal or to the carrier (please refer to Chapter 4.1 of the SOLAS guideline). The terminal and the
carrier itself is not obliged to cross-check the VGM received. Independent of the party verifying and sending the VGM, it
remains in the responsibility of the shipper that the carrier and terminal operator receive the information in time.
Is there any exception to the above question?
No, the shipper always remains responsible to ensure the carrier and the terminal operator receive the information in time.
However, the actual verification and sending can be done by a third party contracted by the shipper, including the carrier or
the terminal operator itself (please refer to Chapter 5.1.1 or 5.1.2 of the SOLAS guideline).
January 2016FAQs - New SOLAS regulation
Local Public Weighbridges
No.
Weighbridge
Address
11
Sims Metal
Kapara Road
Gillman
22
Semaphore Containers
Mersey Road Osborne
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Normetals
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Kerry Logistics
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Gillman Weighbridge
255 Grand Junction
Road Ottoway
Grand Trunkway, Port
Adelaide
202-212 Eastern
Parade, Port Adelaide
Truck
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R/Trains (Jul-16)
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18m w/bridge 60t
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Train 120t 4 plate
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Hours
Phone
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Flinders Adelaide
Container Terminal
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