Misdeclared container weights are a recurring safety problem on shore, on ships, and on roadways – but now the main players in the container industry have grouped together to finally try to tackle the issue.
The industry has submitted a proposal to the IMO that a legal requirement be introduced forcing port terminal operators and ships to verify container weight in order to export a loaded container. This should guard against the risks created by misdeclared containers.
SOLAS currently requires the shipper to provide an accurate container weight declaration, but this requirement is often not met, is not enforced by SOLAS parties, and there is no requirement to actually weigh a loaded container.
The proposal has been submitted by Denmark, The Netherlands, the United States, BIMCO, the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH), the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), and the World Shipping Council (WSC).
Geraldine Knatz, executive director, Port of Los Angeles and president of IAPH, said to Port Strategy: “Our port members throughout the world have significant concerns about the impact that undeclared overweight containers can have on safety in the supply chain. There needs to be a ways and means to ensure that the correct weight of the containers is declared to the carrier and communicated to the ship’s master in order to allow for correct and well-informed handling and stowage. The proposal being submitted to the International Maritime Organization goes a long way toward addressing this important issue.”
The proposal and supporting paper is available on the World Shipping website. The IMO’s Subcommittee on Dangerous Goods, Solid Cargoes and Containers will consider the proposal at its next meeting in September.
