What is SOLAS VGM?
The SOLAS VGM regulation was introduced by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) after several high-profile incidents where misdeclared container weights caused ships to list or structural stacks to collapse.
The rule is simple and absolute: No VGM, No Load. The official shipper named on the Bill of Lading is legally responsible for verifying the gross mass of the container and communicating that weight to the carrier and terminal operator well in advance of vessel loading.
Method 1 vs. Method 2 Weighing
The regulations permit two distinct methods for determining the VGM of a container.
Method 1 involves weighing the entire fully packed and sealed container on calibrated, certified equipment, such as a weighbridge.
Method 2 is an analytical calculation. It involves weighing every individual item going into the container—including the cargo, pallets, dunnage, and securing materials—and adding that sum to the tare weight of the empty container itself.
- Method 1: Weigh the sealed container on a certified scale.
- Method 2: Calculate the sum of cargo, packaging, securing gear, and container tare weight.
How to Calculate VGM using Method 2
To correctly use Method 2, you must ensure that all weighing equipment used to weigh individual components meets local national certification and calibration requirements. You cannot simply use estimates or unverified supplier weights.
The mathematical formula is straightforward: VGM = Gross Cargo Weight + Packaging Weight + Dunnage & Securing Material Weight + Container Tare Weight.
For example: If you are shipping 15,000 kg of machinery (cargo), bolted to 300 kg of wooden skids (packaging), secured with 50 kg of chains and bracing (dunnage), loaded into a standard 20-foot container with a tare weight of 2,250 kg. The Method 2 VGM calculation is: 15,000 + 300 + 50 + 2,250 = 17,600 kg.
The VGM Declaration Document
Regardless of which method is used, the resulting weight must be submitted via a formal VGM Declaration. This is not just a number on a packing list; it is a legally binding document.
The declaration must clearly state the verified weight, specify the method used (1 or 2), and be signed by a person duly authorized by the shipper. Electronic signatures or the name of the authorized person in capital letters are widely accepted.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I find the container's tare weight for Method 2?
The official tare weight is always painted on the exterior doors of the shipping container. You must use this specific physical marking, not a generic industry average.
Can any shipper use Method 2?
The use of Method 2 must generally be approved or certified by the competent national authority of the State in which the packing of the container was completed.
What happens if a container arrives at the port without a VGM declaration?
The terminal operator is legally prohibited from loading the container onto the ship. It will be held at the port, accruing storage and demurrage charges until a valid VGM is submitted.
Is there an acceptable margin of error for VGM?
While SOLAS itself does not define a global tolerance margin, many national enforcement agencies enforce a tolerance of roughly ±5% between the declared VGM and any enforcement weight checks conducted at the port.