VGM and more: improving container standards

The verified gross mass (VGM) process was only one of series of measures introduced by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to improve the safety of the container shipping industry. Admittedly, it was probably the most important and largest in scale, but this article from the TT Club describes the very important work on container corner fittings; the widespread adoption of automatic twistlocks; new guidelines for the lashing of container stacks above decks; and new container coding requirements following some stack collapses. Essential reading for anyone sourcing box equipment: “The technical experts who sit on such working groups have the expectation that changes result in improved safety and reduced risk. It is incumbent on the users of the standards to adopt and act on those changes, to improve safety in the supply chain.”