The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) is an international maritime treaty which requires Signatory flag states to ensure that ships flagged by them comply with minimum safety standards in construction, equipment and operation. New regulations for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) took effect on July 1, 2016 and require shippers whose names appear on the bill of lading to verify the gross mass of all containers before they are shipped at the terminal. METTLER TOLEDO is the world's largest manufacturer of weighing equipment and your trusted partner for compliance with the new SOLAS convention guidelines. Our long-lasting scales and systems are legal-for-trade everywhere you weigh and are ready to deploy immediately anywhere along the logistics chain.

1. New SOLAS Regulations
Want to learn more about SOLAS? Read the FAQs:
www.mt.com/veh-solas}
Role: Freight forwarder, consolidator,
book space on VOCC
Role: Rent or operate terminals
Role: Container transfer
Role: Manage shipping, logistics operations
Role: Ship and/or carrier
NVOCC = Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier
VGM Required or else container can be refused!
Port = Physical dock facility
Terminal = Loading / unloading operation
3PL = 3rd
Party Planning Logistics
VOCC = Vessel Operating Common carrier
Logistics Chain
Certified VGM required before containers can be shipped beginning July 1, 2016.
Method1
Method2
Manufacturer
Bench Scale
Cargo Scale
Floor Scale
Forklift Scale
Truck Scale
Method 2: Weigh
cargo & pack, add
container tare weight,
and sum the total
shipment
Method 1: Weigh
entire container
and the contents
Container Weighing Process
– Owned by Shipper
Enforcement
– Maritime Organization
Certication & Calibration
– Local Weights & Measures
Organization (e.g. NTEP, OIML)
NVOCC or 3PL
Container (stuffer)
Port
Terminal
VOCC
Final Destination
170 Countries
Shipping Line VOCC
(Trans-Ship)
UN: United Nations
Role: Member organizations
observe the proceedings of the IMO
IMO: International
Maritime Organization
Role: UN’s agency for
maritime safety
SOLAS: Safety of Life at Sea
Convention
Role: International maritime
safety treaty
SOLAS
VGM = Verified Gross Mass (weight)
Equipment
for Certified VGM
Governing Bodies