News / IMO urges 'pragmatic' approach for first three months of new container VGM rules

24/05/2016

The IMO has urged regulators to take a “pragmatic” approach to the new SOLAS VGM requirements for the first three months after launch.

The body’s Maritime Safety Committee agreed that while there should be no delays to the July 1 implementation date, it would be beneficial ...

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Andy Lane
May 24, 2016 at 2:22 pm
This is a little fluffy (or to use another maybe more appropriate word – spurious) from IMO. And I am not so sure that helps ease confusion, but just creates more unwanted grey-areas.

What IMO maybe should have said more directly is that “any container packed on or after July 1st is subject to the new SOLAS (VGM) rules, but that leniency for those packed before or already in transit will be granted”. That would be a lot clearer.

They can also suggest that hard-core enforcement in terms of checks, audits and punishments should be ramped up gradually over the first 3 months.

I have seen many interpret IMO’s words to mean, “great, we do not need to do anything different until September 30th”, which I am sure is not what they wished to convey.

If you have out-reach to IMO, then to request some deeper clarification might be good insights for the Lines and Shippers who are following The Loadstar news feeds.

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