To ensure the safety of vessels and workers, the IMO as a body under The United Nations, will as from the 1st of July 2016 require Shippers to declare the gross weight on all containers.

This UN requirement will be implemented in national legislation in all countries world wide, including Malta. The headline is:

“A packed container will not be loaded on board vessels unless the Verified Gross Mass (VGM) of the container has been provided to the Carrier and terminal, or their representatives, sufficiently in advance.”

The regulation clearly mentions that Shipper is responsible to obtain and document the Verified Gross Mass of a packed container.

The Verified Gross Mass (VGM) is the total gross mass of a packed container including the tara of the container. VGM can be obtained by using calibrated and certified equipment, with which the shipper weighs the packed container at the end of the stuffing operation.

Delta Container Services will guide their export clients depending on the nature of each export.

In the meantime, clients can refer to the explanation of the regulations by the World Shipping Council here and Transport Malta’s relevant port notice here.

Please contact us directly if you require additional information.

At Delta Container Services, we have developed a vest network of agents and partners with worldwide coverage enabling us to offer shipping services from any origin to any destination, whilst our client is still able to enjoy a local contact.

We offer a full range of cross trade services from standard containerised shipments to handling hazardous cargo, refrigerated cargo, out-of-gauge cargo and project cargo. Our dedicated staff are fully experienced and knowledgeable to handle any cross trade requirements and will continuously strive to assist our clients in achieving their goals.

For further details, contact us on:

Tel: (00356) 21 657577
Fax: (00356) 21 657578
Email: dcs@delta.com.mt
Website: www.deltacontainers.eu/