Declaring accurate container weights, effective on july 1, 2016

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According to certain publications, the proportion of global container trade that is wrongly declared could be as high as 20%. Everyone involved in the maritime container shipping industry understands that declaring accurate container weights.

Everyone involved in the maritime container shipping industry understands that declaring accurate container weights improves:

  • the safety of container ships,
  • their crews</li
  • and the terminal personnel involved in the handling of containers.

There is no available data that reliably indicates how many containers have an incorrectly declared weight; however, according to certain publications (e.g. Jade Logistics), the proportion of global container trade that is wrongly declared could be as high as 20%.

Any doubt about the declaring accurate container weights? Consult us.

Some of the problems resulting from mis-declared container weights include the following:

  • incorrect vessel stowage decisions,
  • costs and delays resulting from re-stowage of containers,
  • if the overweight condition is ascertained, collapsed container stacks or containers lost overboard,
  • damage to ships, chassis damage, stability and stress risks for ships, risk of personal injury
  • or death to seafarers and terminal workers.

To ensure the safety of industry workers, ships and equipments, IMO amended SOLAS Chapter VI, Regulation 2, adding paragraphs 4 to 6 after existing paragraph 3.

These modifications will enter in force on the 1st of July of 2016.

Aiyon Abogados, as a Maritime Law experts firm, suggest you to consult what happens when the manufacturer has not provided the containers weight?  and which are the 2 alternatives to weight them before shipping.