Maersk created this graphic on the potential catastrophe created by improper weight distribution on a Triple-E ship. IAHP reports that ‘incorrectly declared container weights are one of the major causes of maritime container accidents in ship navigation, road transportation and terminal operation.’
Under the updated rules, containers without a verified gross weight will not be loaded onto a ship for export. Assuming the formality of adoption at MSC 94 in November, the new rules will come into effect on 1 July 2016.
“IAPH has been an outspoken advocate on this issue for several years now because mis-declared or incorrectly declared container weights are one of the major causes of maritime container accidents in ship navigation, road transportation and terminal operation,” said IAPH president Grant Gilfillan.