Hapag-Lloyd informs its customers that the new SOLAS convention became effective July 1, 2016 and it is mandatory to submit the verified gross mass (VGM) prior to stowage aboard ship. Customers can easily submit the VGM through following channels:
preferably via the new VGM oriented VERMAS (EDI) message
or via existing EDI connections (in e-Shipping Instruction)
or via our Hapag-Lloyd website (Online Business – webVGM or VGM Excel)
or via portal solutions (such as INTTRA, GT Nexus, CargoSmart, Dakosy)
Hapag-Lloyd advises its customers to abstain from any manual transmission of VGM information via e-mail or other manual means in order to ensure smooth processing of this important information. With earliest effective date July 15, 2016 we will introduce a Manual Transmission Fee for all VGM information that is transferred manually, for cargo to US the Manual Transmission Fee will be effective not until August 15, 2016.
The Manual Transmission Fee for VGM will be implemented by all West African Hapag-Lloyd offices in local currencies and at an equivalent of minimum USD 50 per container.
The shipping company emphasizes that this fee is only applicable in case of a manual transmission. To avoid potential manual transmission, your local Hapag-Lloyd office/agent will assist you to find an alternative via our website or portal solutions.