FIATA-VGM

FIATA VGM Verified Gross Mass SOLAS 2016 maritime.

Definition

VGM requirement detail: (1) SOLAS Convention Amendment 2014 (IMO Maritime Safety Committee, MSC 93/22/Add.3) effective 1 July 2016. (2) Shipper obligation: declare VGM (Verified Gross Mass = container tare + cargo + dunnage weight) before vessel loading, written documentation signed by shipper. (3) Methods: Method 1 (Direct weighing of packed container, using calibrated scale to weigh entire container loaded), Method 2 (Sum of weights of cargo + dunnage + container tare, mathematical addition of all components weights). (4) Tolerance: various jurisdictions allowed tolerance 5% of declared VGM. (5) Non-VGM declaration penalties: container not loaded on vessel, shipper liable damages stowage incorrect weight distribution + safety risks. (6) FIATA VGM Guidance Document: industry best practices + interpretation guidance + sample documentation templates SOLAS VGM declaration, frequently updated FIATA Working Group. Compliance ~99% global container shipments 2024 (initial chaos 2016-2017 had ~30% non-compliance, normalized by 2018+).

Origin

SOLAS Convention Amendment 2014 IMO MSC 93/22/Add.3 ; effective 1 July 2016 ; FIATA VGM Guidance Document 2015 (preparation) + ongoing updates ; compliance ~99% 2024.

Example in context

Apple Inc. Foxconn factory China ships container loaded iPhones Shenzhen -> Long Beach CA via MSC vessel: Foxconn shipper weighs packed container Method 1 (calibrated scale + bridge crane), VGM declared 22500 kg, MSC validates VGM matches manifest tolerance 5%, container loaded vessel per planned stowage plan.

Related terms

• IMDG Code — another IMO maritime regulation.