Verified Gross Mass (VGM) refers to the total verified weight of a shipping container's contents, including the cargo, dunnage, bracing, and the container's tare weight. It is a mandatory requirement under the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention to ensure safety in maritime transport. The shipper is responsible for obtaining and documenting the VGM before loading the container onto a ship.
VGM can be calculated using two methods approved by SOLAS. Method 1 involves weighing the fully loaded container at a certified weighbridge. Method 2 entails weighing all the cargo and contents of the container separately, including dunnage and bracing materials, and then adding the container's tare weight as specified by the container manufacturer.
VGM is essential for maintaining safety standards in maritime shipping. Accurate weight data is crucial to ensure that ships are loaded correctly and remain stable at sea. Misdeclared container weights can lead to overloaded ships, imbalanced loads, and increased risks of accidents, posing severe threats to the vessel, its crew, and cargo. Compliance with VGM requirements helps prevent such hazards.
