Terminal operators criticise “absent” container weighing guidelines

A leading body representing Europe’s container terminal operators has called for national authorities to develop guidelines on container weighing, attacking the current “lack of information and harmonisation”.

The Federation of European Private Port Operators (FEPORT) stated that such guidelines should protect the efficiency of logistics chains and not “create competitive distortions” between member states.

Jasper Nagtegaal, chairman of the customs and logistics committee, said: “From July 1, 2016, all containers to be loaded on a vessel will need to be accompanied by a verified gross mass (VGM). As of now, industry actors have released guidelines on the implementation of SOLAS requirement, but guidance from national authorities is still absent in many cases.”