SOLAS VGM: Weighing containers safely and efficiently with the reach stacker
In international maritime transport, the correct weight declaration of containers is a crucial safety factor. This ensures that ships can be loaded stably and safely. verified gross mass a container must be determined and transmitted before loading. This requirement is part of the SOLAS guidelines and affects all loaded freight containers transported by ship.
For ports, terminals, freight forwarders, and logistics companies, this means that containers must be weighed reliably, precisely, and as efficiently as possible. This is exactly where the TC3000-RS weighing system from Griptech The hydraulic weighing system was specifically developed for use on reach stackers and enables the weighing of containers directly during the handling process.
What does SOLAS VGM mean?
SOLAS stands for Safety of Life at Sea and is one of the most important international agreements on maritime safety. The convention was first adopted in 1914 in response to the Titanic disaster and has been revised and expanded several times since.
A key requirement in container transport is the determination of the VGM, so the Verified Gross MassThis refers to the verified gross mass of a loaded container. This must be known before loading onto a ship so that the container can be taken into account in the loading plan.
The VGM includes the total weight of the container, including:
- Container's tare weight
- Goods or cargo
- packing material
- Pallets
- Load securing material
Without a confirmed gross mass, a container generally cannot be loaded onto a ship.
Why is accurate container weighing so important?
The weight of a container affects the stability, safety, and efficiency of the entire maritime transport. Incorrect or inaccurate weight specifications can lead to significant risks.
These include, among others:
- faulty traffic planning
- uneven weight distribution on board
- increased strain on ship, terminal technology and means of transport
- Safety risks for personnel, cargo and ship
- Delays in the loading process
An empty 20-foot standard container weighs approximately 2,2 to 2,5 tons, depending on its design. However, a loaded container can reach a total weight of up to around 30 tons. Precise weight determination is particularly important with these heavy loads.
What methods exist for determining VGM?
Basically, there are two ways to determine the verified gross mass of a container.
Method 1: Weighing the loaded container
This method involves weighing the fully loaded and sealed container. This can be done, for example, using a stationary vehicle scale, a container scale, or a suitable other device. Weighing system This can be done directly at the handling device.
This method is particularly practical if containers are being moved around the terminal anyway and the weight can be determined directly during handling.
Method 2: Calculation of the total mass
Alternatively, the VGM can be calculated. This involves adding the weight of the cargo, the packaging and securing materials, and the container's tare weight. This method requires that all individual weights are reliably known.
However, in many logistics processes, direct weighing is simpler, faster and less prone to errors.
Weigh containers directly with the reach stacker
Reachstackers are among the most important machines in container handling. They are used in ports, terminals, and logistics centers to pick up, transport, stack, and load heavy containers.
Since the reach stacker is already a central component of the handling process, direct weighing on the vehicle offers a decisive advantage: The container weight can be determined during the normal workflow.
This reduces additional trips to stationary scales, saves time and supports a more efficient material flow in the terminal.
TC3000-RS: Hydraulic weighing system for reach stackers
The TC3000-RS from Griptech It was specifically developed for weighing containers with reach stackers. The system uses the vehicle's hydraulics to precisely determine the weight of the picked-up container.
With a weighing accuracy of up to ± 0,2% of the reach stacker's load-bearing capacity The TC3000-RS offers a powerful solution for applications where precise weight data and efficient processes are crucial.
The system is particularly suitable for:
- Port operations
- Container terminals
- Logistics centers
- Freight forwarding companies with container handling
- Industrial companies with sea freight connections
How does weighing work with the TC3000-RS?
The TC3000-RS offers two different weighing methods that can be used depending on the application.
Weighing method A: Highest accuracy
In method A, the container is lifted after being picked up and then lowered in a controlled manner. During this movement, the system automatically determines the weight at a defined height.
The weighing process can be started in the lowered position. The weighing process then begins automatically. After approximately... 8 to 10 seconds The weight is displayed on the screen and stored until the next weighing.
This method offers the highest accuracy and is also used in systems that can be calibrated.
Weighing method B: High speed
In method B, the weighing takes place in a defined direction of movement. This allows the weighing process to be carried out more quickly.
This method is particularly interesting when a high throughput rate is paramount in daily operations. While the accuracy is lower than with method A, it may be sufficient for many applications. Legally compliant weighing is not possible with this method.
The automatic weighing system can still be used.
Display, data and optional SmartBox
The TC3000-RS is equipped with a TC display unit Equipped with a system that clearly displays the weight. This gives the driver a clear weight indication directly in the vehicle.
Optionally, the system can be equipped with a smart box to be expanded. This enables digital processing of the weighing data and thus supports modern logistics processes in which weight information is to be documented, transmitted or integrated into existing processes.
The TC3000-RS thus combines precise weighing with practical data use in everyday terminal operations.
Advantages of the TC3000-RS in container handling
The TC3000-RS offers several practical advantages for companies in container handling:
- precise weighing directly at the reach stacker
- Support for SOLAS-compliant processes
- fewer additional trips to stationary scales
- More efficient processes in the terminal
- Quick weight display in the driver display
- High accuracy under heavy loads
- optional data transmission via SmartBox
- suitable for demanding port and logistics applications
Especially in areas where many containers are moved daily, integrated weighing directly on the reachstacker can make an important contribution to process optimization.
SOLAS-compliant container weighing with Griptech
The SOLAS-VGM requirement highlights the importance of reliable weight data in maritime transport. Precise container weighing not only increases safety but also supports smooth operations in ports, terminals, and logistics.
With the TC3000-RS Griptech offers a hydraulic weighing system specifically designed for reachstackers, enabling the efficient weighing of heavy containers directly during the handling process.
For those who want to weigh containers safely, precisely and efficiently, the TC3000-RS offers a powerful solution for modern container logistics.
Request a quote for the TC3000-RS for your application now.
Do you want to weigh containers directly with the reach stacker and make your SOLAS VGM processes more efficient?
Then contact us. Griptech will support you in selecting the right weighing solution for your container handling application.
