Contingency planning now essential for VGM

Speaking on a panel discussion at TOC Europe, Richard Brough, technical adviser at ICHCA said that ports need to have a plan if something goes wrong.

“The key words are communication, compliance and contingencies.” His advice was supported by manufacturers who confirmed that orders placed now for VGM solutions at ports would not be in place by the July 1 deadline.

Additionally, while IMO’s SOLAS legislation allows for two weighing methods, ICHCA warned that method 2 – weighing all packages and cargo items and adding the tare mass of the container – is the compromise that was brokered by the industry and if it fails to accurately weigh containers it will likely be dropped as an alternative weighing method in the future.

Peel Ports’ David Huck pointed out that in trials, the operator had experienced significant challenges and inaccuracies using method 2.

“Our take is that the port should weigh,” said Capt Brough. “If you have the facilities why wouldn’t you do it?”

Robin van Leijen, policy advisor – maritime logistics, FENEX, pointed out that it’s not just ports that are under pressure; freight forwarders are also facing a difficult situation. “They are being made responsible for container information that is not there.” He added that weighing every container passing through the Port of Rotterdam would create delays and add costs to the supply chain.

However, Mr Huck disagreed: “That’s a myth. There is no delay to the customer if you put in the right technology.”

Peel Ports has opted for weighbridges as its VGM service offering to shippers, based on feedback from customers that they did not want the weighing solution to impact cargo flows. Peel will also verify all VGMs supplied by shippers and correct them if they are wrong.

Also on the panel, Beat Zwygart, manager container weighing, Conductix-Wampfler, added that a port should view offering weighing services as a value-add service, not an additional cost.

“Ultimately it’s about doing the right thing,” Mr Huck concluded. “The added value we get from getting a better weight is better productivity for the customer.”