Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2012, published 102nd ILC session (2013)

Marking of Weight (Packages Transported by Vessels) Convention, 1929 (No. 27) - Germany (Ratification: 1933)

With regard to the question of possible difficulties encountered in the application of the Convention in relation to modern methods of cargo handling, with particular reference to containers, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that only the tare and the maximum permissible weight is marked on the outside of freight containers, whereas the actual weight of containers that are shipped is only marked in the cargo documents and manifests. In the Government’s view the documentation of the weight of the container in the accompanying shipping papers is much more important than the marking of the gross weight on the container itself, as it is necessary to know the weight in advance for storage planning and for the calculation of the stability of the vessel. The Government also indicates that the weight of containers is currently under discussion at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). The Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) already makes the indication obligatory for the forwarder because weights are often inaccurately indicated and cause stability problems on the ships. The discussion at the IMO may lead to the mandatory weighing of containers in the future. This would ensure the safety of all concerned and make the inclusion of containers in the Convention unnecessary. The Committee asks the Government to continue to provide any relevant information in relation to this Convention.