In international maritime transport, false or inaccurate verified gross mass (VGM) information can create significant safety hazards. When VGM discrepancies reach 1,000 kilograms, the risk of accidents during loading operations increases substantially.
Current verification of VGM data remains lax, with carriers requiring shippers to accurately declare cargo weight in transport agreements to avoid potential liability. When shippers provide significantly inaccurate weight information, they assume full responsibility for the consequences.
For example, if a shipper declares cargo weight as 3 metric tons when the actual weight is 10 metric tons, the carrier's arranged transport equipment may become overloaded, potentially causing accidents. Industry stakeholders must recognize that accurate weight reporting isn't merely a compliance issue but fundamentally concerns safety and liability allocation.
Ensuring VGM accuracy proves critical for reducing transportation accident risks, particularly in container shipping where proper weight distribution affects vessel stability and handling throughout the voyage.
