Forth Ports confirms that from next week (w/c 27 June), the company is ready to launch its weighing solution for export customers to determine the VGM (Verified Gross Mass) of containers arriving at its terminals in Tilbury and Grangemouth to ensure compliance with the updated provisions of SOLAS VI (Safety of Life at Sea)

Through significant investment in its straddle carrier fleet and the upgrade of IT development, both ports are now ready to receive export cargo with a solution in place to comply with the new regulations.

Stuart Wallace, Divisional Director at Forth Ports said: “We are pleased to confirm that from 27th June our customers at the Port of Grangemouth and London Container Terminal will have a weighing solution to the amended regulations being enforced on 1 July. Following consultation with our key export customers, both ports will now weigh those boxes requiring VGM as part of the overall operational flow, minimising any impact on operational procedures at the interchange points. The port of loading is recognised as the most cost effective to identify the VGM, where this has not been provided earlier in the supply chain, ensuring a seamless change of modality from truck or train to sea.”

The company has developed the relevant EDI links to both UK community systems, Destin8 and CNS as well as some point to point EDI customer links for those customers that do not utilise the community systems.

Forth Ports port of grangemouth Tilbury London Container Terminal 2016-06-24