Industry Praises IMO for Action on Container Weight Verification

The Dangerous Goods, Solid Cargo and Containers (DSC) Sub-committee of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) approved proposed changes to the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) convention that will require verification of container weights before loaded containers are placed aboard ships. Misdeclared container weights have been a long-standing problem for the transportation industry and for governments as they present safety hazards for ships, their crews, and other cargo on board, workers in the port facilities handling containers, and on roads. 

“We have worked with the IMO to address the problem of incorrect container weights for over six years and now with the input of many governments and industry organizations, including responsible shipper associations, we are pleased that the SOLAS amendments and related implementation guidelines have been approved by the DSC. We appreciate the efforts of all involved,“ said World Shipping Council President & CEO, Chris Koch. He added, “We look forward to approval by the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) in May 2014 and the final adoption in November 2014. The container shipping industry will continue to work with all supply chain stakeholders on the processes necessary to ensure smooth implementation, which could occur in July 2016.”