OOCL details SOLAS container weight enforcement policy

The missive the fourth bulletin issued by OOCL to its customers regarding the International Maritime Organization’s SOLAS amendment in 10 months offers insight into the depth of preparation needed by many parts of the industry to meet the rule that takes effect July 1. The new rule, an amendment to the IMO’s SOLAS convention, requires shippers to present a signed verified gross mass declaration to ocean carriers prior to containers being loaded on a vessel. The rule approved in 2014 is aimed at cracking down on overweight containers, which have contributed to maritime accidents.