| Dear Customer,
Following our previous communication on the implementation of the new SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) requirement for the verification of container weights, we would like to provide you with further details pertaining to this requirement.
As already announced, effective July 1st, 2016, every packed export container is required to have a Verified Gross Mass (VGM) as a condition of loading aboard a vessel. Maersk Line supports this requirement as it promotes safety across the industry, including for our customers and their cargoes, landside personnel and subsequently our employees and vessels.
In order to meet the July 1st deadline, we are readying our systems and processes to support the submission of a Verified Gross Mass (VGM) from our customers. Our goal is to facilitate an easy submission of a VGM and a consistent information exchange with terminal operators. Below are the main principles Maersk Line will be adopting under the new requirement:
How should I submit the VGM to Maersk Line?
The preferred method for submission of a VGM to Maersk Line is through one or any of the digital channels mentioned below:
- Via our website www.maerskline.com and login through our My Maersk Line portal.
- Via EDI message for customers sending booking or shipping instructions via EDI solutions with Maersk Line.
- Via service portals such as GT Nexus and CargoSmart.
Manual methods of submission (email, fax or phone) are also acceptable but not encouraged – the preferred methods are the established digital channels to avoid documentation errors and delays in handover of information. In case of manual submission, please send your VGM details to bomgscidx@maersk.com.
What are the deadlines for VGM submission?
Given the specific requirements being implemented by each port and/or terminal across the world, the deadline for a VGM may be subject to change. In light of this variability, Maersk Line will provide the cargo cut-off and deadlines for declaring a VGM at the time of booking via your booking confirmation.
Please note VGM Deadlines as follows:
The Netherlands
All terminals
VGM deadline via E-Channels 4 hours before Cargo cut off
VGM deadline via e-mail 12 hours before Cargo cut off
http://www.maerskline.com/de-de/countries/nl/world factbook/export/vessel-deadlines
Germany
All terminals except MSC Gate Bremerhaven
VGM deadline via E-Channels 4 hours before Cargo cut off
VGM deadline via e-mail 12 hours before Cargo cut off
MSC Gate Bremerhaven
VGM deadline via E-Channels 20 hours before Cargo cut off
VGM deadline via e-mail 28 hours before Cargo cut off
http://www.maerskline.com/de-de/countries/de/world factbook/export/services
Belgium
All terminals
Please see details per service attached to this advisory.
http://www.maerskline.com/de-de/countries/be/world factbook/export/vessel-deadlines
What is the “No VGM, No Gate-in” Policy?
While Maersk Line will comply with the IMO’s SOLAS requirement for VGM prior to loading, some terminals may adopt an additional buffer known as the “No VGM, No Gate-in” policy. It is important to emphasize that the “No VGM, No Gate-in” policy is decided and enforced by the terminal and/or the governmental agency and not by Maersk Line.
In the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium, today no such policy is enforced by our terminals.
What are the consequences of not submitting a VGM before cut-off?
Several outcomes may occur should no VGM be provided to Maersk Line before cut-off:
- If a terminal at the port of loading has adopted the “No VGM, No Gate-in” policy, the container may be denied at the gate. Additional costs may incur from the trucker or the time awaited to submit the VGM before the container can be accepted for entry.
- As already noted, no container will be loaded on board a vessel without a VGM. Delays on your cargo may impact the fluidity of your supply chain should a container not load its planned voyage due to an absence of a VGM. Additionally, potential demurrage and/or detention charges may apply when a container is sitting idle at the terminal awaiting for VGM submission.
- Should a container mistakenly be loaded to a vessel without a VGM, any transshipment port may refuse to handle the container. Consequently, the vessel or container may be subject to delays or be held at the transshipment terminal.
- Although rail providers have announced that the VGM requirement does not impact rail operations, if a terminal has a “No VGM, no Gate-in” policy, the export container arriving to this terminal before VGM submission may result in additional charges to the customer.
For more information about Maersk Line’s policy and VGM requirement, please visit our website at: http://www.maerskline.com/en-us/shipping-services/verfied-gross-mass
As always, we thank you for your support and will continue to keep you informed on the implementation of the SOLAS requirement.
Thank you,
Maersk Line
VGM Deadlines applicable by Maersk Line per service in Antwerp, Belgium
USA
Canada
Far East
Middle East
South America |
