The regulations stipulate that containers cannot be loaded onto ships until their weight has been verified and certified. Only 30 per cent of respondents said they expected that their company and/or their customers will be prepared for compliance when the regulations are implemented in July 2016; 48 per cent said they “have their doubts,” and 10 per cent said no. Two-thirds of respondents, or 66 per cent, said they expected either a moderate or major disruption in the industry. Respondents foresee the most disruption in Asia-Pacific(42 per cent), followed by Africa (22 per cent).
As a neutral, central party in the ocean industry, INTTRA has launched the eVGM Initiative to facilitate a smooth, collaborative transition to industry-wide VGM compliance through digital means. The initiative is bringing together experts from carriers and NVOCC’s, freight forwarders and shippers, terminal operators and Port Authorities, government regulators, and rail and trucking operators. To date, more than 100 industry participants are registered in the eVGM Forum, an online discussion group for shipping professionals. Several companies are actively engaged in the Initiative, including APL, BDP International, CEVA, Damco, Hapag Lloyd, Hamburg Sud, Kuehne + Nagel, UASC and other INTTRA carriers.