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The results of the second round of a major survey
on the status of implementation of the SOLAS container weighing mandate has been released,
and with just three months to go before the July 1 deadline, the view varies widely across more than
50 countries represented in the membership of the Federation of National Associations of Shipbrokers and Agents.
The results of the survey conducted by FONASBA covered a wide range of topics, from the nomination of the "designated authority" to how transshipment containers and those shipped under FOB sales will be treated.
Of particular concern at this late stage is that 18 associations have advised that no guidance has been issued on the practical application of the measures in the country concerned. This situation has been worsened by the failure, until very recently in some cases, of governments appointing a designated authority.
In terms of actually weighing the containers, many countries say that while using a weighbridge is expected to account for a significant proportion of all declarations, they also frequently report that weighbridges are few in number and often in poor condition. The cost of weighing the container also varies widely, from free of charge to $227 being quoted. Similarly, for an alternate method — namely, calculating the weight by the sum of the parts — there is evidence that in many cases no provision has been made to ensure the process is regulated or undertaken in accordance with agreed principles.
"It is staggering that with such little time left before implementation, a significant number of countries
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had so far failed to take action at the national level to ensure that the required measures will be in place on time," said FONASBA president designate and Liner & Port Agency Committee chairman, John Foord. "The SOLAS amendment has been under development in IMO for four years so it is worrying that at this late stage ship agents, forwarders and shippers in many countries still lack appropriate guidance as to how they should comply. As supporters of the accurate verification of container weights since its initial proposal, FONASBA's members have been proactive in working with their national authorities and the container transport chain to ensure the measures are in place in good time and so it is frustrating that little or no progress has been made in some countries."
"This is one of the most important developments in maritime transport since the introduction of the container itself and the potential for significant disruption on July 1st (or even earlier in the case of some transshipment containers) is considerable," Foord added. "The shipping lines are adamant that from that date containers presented for loading without a certificate of verified gross mass will not be carried onboard their vessels and no amount of posturing by shippers or, in some cases national authorities, will change that."
FONASBA, located in the UK, provides a united voice for the world's ship brokers and agents. Founded in 1969, the organization promotes fair and equitable practices at international, regional and individual national level across the maritime industry. The federation has consultative status at the International Maritime Organization, the United Nations Conference on Trade & Development and the World Customs Organization.
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