GSA moves to ensure container weight regulation compliance

The Ghana Shippers Authority (GSA), has announced the setting up of a technical committee to support the smooth implementation of the new container weight verification regulation to enhance the safety of sea-borne goods.

Ms. Sylvia Asana Owu, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer, said the committee was going to develop guidelines for shippers to aid compliance.

She was speaking at a workshop held in Kumasi for exporters and importers in the Ashanti Region to deepen their understanding of the new regulation.

The container weight verification was developed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) under its Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) convention to prevent accidents, resulting from the overloading of vessels.

It requires shippers and freight forwarders to obtain the gross mass weight of their packed containers that would enable vessel terminal operators to prepare stowage plans for successful transporting of their goods.

The regulation comes into force on July 1, this year.

Ms. Owu said under it there would be two permissible methods of weighing – either before or after packing.

This would help to address any discrepancies to make sure that packed containers on any vessel met the required standards.

Nana Yaw Owusu, Regional Chairman of the Shipper Committee, advised shippers to uphold safety regulations.

Source: GNA