SOLAS VGM Weighing

Stationary and mobile weighing services

Since 1 July 2016 the SOLAS VGM policy for checking weights of containers loaded on board of ships have become into force. To this end, the verified gross container weight (VGM - Verified Gross Mass) must be submitted in time to the shipowner by the shipper or forwarder.

Container, for which no VGM is presented may not be loaded and will not be shipped accordingly . GDH even offers an individual solution: in Germany we are the only transport service provider, which comes with a scale to you or your customers able to offer a mobile SOLAS VGM weighing.

Certified Weighing Technology

In light of the SOLAS convention GDH together with semi-trailers and scale producers has developed a certified weighing system. As a result, the weight of a container already can be determined during the lifting with our sideloaders. The standard deviation is up to 40 to load only 0.03%. Thus, the requirements of state authority BG traffic and the IMO are more than fulfilled.

The certified scale, Integrated in the side loader transmits the container weight via radio to an on-board unit in the cab of the tractor. From there, the data is sent via Bluetooth to a smartphone (or a Smartbox) with the "Tally Tech Weighing app". The application automatically creates in conjunction with the container number a weighing note and sends it to the "Tally Tech Clearing Center", which is connected via an interface to the operating system of GDH.

The weighing notes proceed automatically from Clearing Center to carriers. In the same way, the weighing notes are forwarded to our customers and get charged by the system of Cargosupport.

GDH is at the present time the only company in Germany that provides mobile weighing services. The weighing services of GDH should be provided as far away from the seaport terminals to take into account the aspect of the earlier time of appointment of "VGM" to conduct a proper stowage planning of each vessel.

SOLAS compliance

We will perform weighing services according to method 1 of the SOLAS regulations. In addition, we also offer to carry out inspections for certification / accreditation companies and control weighing of stakeholders for the method. 2 The technique we use is, as required, certified, SOLAS compliant and meets the requirements of class IV scales.

In order to work as efficiently and economically as possible, we want to bundle weighing at customer sites in the hinterland. GDH intends to offer the service as follows:

• One time billing of distance to / from locations in the hinterland (fixed pricing/km)
• Billing of weighing per each container at fixed rates, volume dependent per site

Give us a call. We will jointly develop a customized solution with you.