Containerisation International reports that European shippers say compulsory weighing is a 'false remedy'
Answering ocean carriers’ recently repeated call for all containers to be compulsorily weighed, the European Shippers’ Council (ESC) has opined that it is a false remedy.
Containerisation International reports that European shippers say compulsory weighing is a 'false remedy'
Answering ocean carriers’ recently repeated call for all containers to be compulsorily weighed, the European Shippers’ Council (ESC) has opined that it is a false remedy.
Its statement yesterday said: "The maritime industry’s call for stricter IMO regulation on the declaration of container weights is the wrong remedy for the container transport safety issues the sector is dealing with. According to the European Shippers Council (ESC) extra regulation of container weights will not solve the safety issues in container transport, is superfluous and hardly feasible."
It continued: "From reports of relatively recent accidents it has become clear that something needs to be done about the safety standards in container transport at sea and on land. Especially accidents with trucks that have rolled over, the loss of containers at sea, collapsing container stacks and the capsizing of the containership MSC Napoli did increase the call for action.
"ESC’s concern is now that the discussion is entirely focused on a relatively small risk factor, when it comes down to the safety of container transport, namely misdeclared container weights.
"Instead of focusing on improving the much more important causes mentioned in the reports, like lacking procedures for lashing, ship maintenance and stowing, the maritime industry pleads for stricter regulation on container weights at shippers’ premises. Shippers believe this is a false remedy for an ill-defined disease.
"The European shippers also expressed their sincere doubts if IMO is the right institution for regulating container safety issues in itself. ESC’s representative said that they are working together with labour unions and other parties in the maritime industry to get the voluntary UNECE/ILO guidelines for container stuffing updated as soon as possible.
"According to ESC, it is this institution that should take the lead in improving the quality of container stuffing and possibly prescribe legislation on the issue. Poor stuffing is a problem for all modes of transport, not solely the maritime industry.
"Finally, the ESC points out that IMO’s SOLAS regulation already holds a requirement which states that shippers should declare the weight of their containers correctly. Adding another one to it will not solve the issue of misdeclared weights.
"We admit that misdeclaration of weights needs our attention, but oppose the idea that it’s the biggest threat to the safety of workers in the supply chain. If the sector is truly looking for a safer supply chain all parties should take their responsibility."
Although shippers are indeed already obliged to declare the weight of their cargo, the problem is enforcing the rule effectively. Studies conducted by the likes of Marin in the Netherlands indicate that the level of error is now so great, be it advantageously intentional or unintentional, it can no longer be ignored.
The issue is coming to a head because of the deadlines for submissions set by the International Maritime Organisation’s Solid Goods and Containerised Goods sub-committee (DSC 15) of the Maritime Safety Committee (MDC). These range between June 15 and July 27, depending on the type business covered.
The issue was first considered by DSC under ’any other business’ as long ago as September 2011. Since then it has become a main agenda item, and will next be debated at its forthcoming meeting between September 17 and 21, 2012.
Should it be considered important enough, a proposal could be fast tracked for member states to consider in the next Maritime Safety Committee meeting at the end of November. If not, the following meeting is scheduled in May 2013.
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