Verified Gross Mass Cutoff Change Effective 1st Nov 2020 - Malaysia

Following earlier communication on the implementation of the new SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) requirement for the verification of container weights, we would like to provide you with further updates pertaining to this requirement.

VGM Cutoff Change effective 1-Nov

In order to ensure we have the VGM information at vessel planning stage and maximize safety, we are changing our VGM cutoff to -24 hours prior first vessel Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) effective for all bookings with vessels departing 1-Nov and onwards.

As usual, we will provide the cargo cut-off and deadlines for declaring a VGM at the time of booking via your booking confirmation. The cutoff information can also be found on our website by going to Malaysia Export page.

We are also resharing a summary of the VGM details and procedure below to help guide you again in the process

Who Submits the VGM?

As per the SOLAS requirement, the Shipper noted on the Bill of Lading will be the party responsible for providing the carrier and the terminal operator the VGM. In the case of Maersk, the VGM information flow will begin with the Shipper who submits the information to Maersk, who subsequently sends the information to the terminal. In the instance that a Shipper uses the terminal’s weighing service to obtain VGM data, the information will flow from the Terminal to the Shipper, who then submits the information to Maersk. Often the Terminal will also send the VGM directly to Maersk.

How do I calculate the VGM?

Shippers may use one of two methods to determine the VGM

• Method 1 - Weighing the fully loaded container after it has been packed.
• Method 2 - Weighing the contents of the container, including cargo and any packing materials, and then adding that to the tare weight of the container printed on the door. If using Method 2, Maersk already launched a solution to facilitate this method for customers by providing a convenient way to lookup the container tare weight on our Maersk website.

How should I submit the VGM to Maersk?

The preferred method for submission of a VGM to Maersk is through one or any of the digital channels mentioned below

• Via our website www.maersk.com and login through our Maersk portal.
• Via EDI message for customers sending booking or shipping instructions via EDI solutions with Maersk.
• Via service portals such as INTTRA, GT Nexus and CargoSmart.

What are the consequences of not submitting a VGM before cut-off?

Several outcomes may occur should no VGM be provided to Maersk before cut-off

• If a terminal at the port of loading has adopted the “No VGM, No Gate-in” policy, the container may be denied at the gate. Additional costs may incur from the trucker or the time awaited to submit the VGM before the container can be accepted for entry.
• As already noted, no container will be loaded on board a vessel without a VGM. Delays on your cargo may impact the fluidity of your supply chain should a container not load its planned voyage due to an absence of a VGM. Additionally, potential demurrage and/or detention charges may apply when a container is sitting idle at the terminal awaiting for VGM submission.

As always, we thank you for your support for Maersk. We will keep you informed of any further development.

Should you have any questions or require any assistance regarding this new regulation, please do not hesitate to contact your local Maersk representative.

We thank you in advance for your continued support, and if you have any questions please reach out to your local Maersk.