Provider of insurance and related risk management services to the international transport and logistics industry, TT Club, has noted that less than 15% of the 162 International Maritime Organisation (IMO) member states that are signatories to the Safety for Life at Sea (Solas) regulations have given shippers and operators in their jurisdiction any helpful guidelines regarding VGM procedures that become mandatory on July 1.
Meanwhile, 12 ocean carriers – including CMA-CGM, Maersk and MSC – noted their concerns about the “slow implementation pace of VGM preparations” in a letter sent to terminal operators and supply chain service providers.
The carriers said this related in particular to the adjustment of the mapping of electronic data interchange (EDI) messages and the “vital and essential processing of the VGM flags in the stow planning systems of the terminal operators”.
“We understand that the uncertainty about implementation details is a delaying factor. We noticed frequent public statements about lack of clear instructions from container carriers and lack of guidance from competent authorities in several countries. Whilst we certainly welcome a quick availability of national guidelines, we also feel that all information required for the successful implementation of the VGM compliance is already available,” the letter reads.
The 12 carriers go on to say that from their point of view there is not any lack of clear instructions from vessel operators. “We would like to urge terminal operators and other supply chain partners to implement the necessary steps with immediate effect,” the letter states.
