SOLAS and VGM Agreement

The International SOLAS Convention (Safety of Life at Sea), adopted by the IMO, sets minimum safety standards for merchant ships. Its current version (the amended 1974 version) covers everything from construction and stability to the transport of dangerous goods.

The Verified Gross Mass (VGM) is the confirmed total weight of a loaded container, including the cargo, pallets, packaging, and the container’s tare weight. Since July 1, 2016, it has been mandatory for all IMO member countries.

To prevent accidents caused by incorrect weight declarations. A container without a VGM cannot be loaded onto a vessel, which leads to delays, additional costs, and documentation changes.

• Method 1: Weigh the packed container using a certified scale.
• Method 2: Weigh all individual items separately and add the container’s tare weight.

• Offshore cargo (offshore platforms)
• Domestic cabotage
• Wheeled vehicles and machinery (Ro-Ro)