Maritime and port operations include sea transportation, container loading–unloading, quay storage, and transit trade logistics. During these activities, weighing systems are required not only for commercial calculation but also for
international law compliance, safety, vessel stability, and operational optimization.
The global requirement of
VGM (Verified Gross Mass) in container transportation has made weighing systems a strategic necessity at ports. Incorrect weighing can destabilize vessels, cause accidents, or result in high legal penalties. Therefore, weighing technologies used in maritime operations must be durable, accurate, and fully compliant with international standards.
Mandatory Weighing at Ports: VGM Regulation
According to international MARPOL and SOLAS regulations, as of July 1, 2016,
all export containers must be weighed before being loaded onto a vessel. This measurement must be validated through a
VGM (Verified Gross Mass) certificate.
The purpose of the VGM requirement:
- Maintaining vessel stability
- Preventing container tipping and accidents
- Ensuring port personnel safety
- Reducing the risk of improper loading
- Preventing maritime accidents
Therefore, weighing systems used in ports must comply with international accuracy and certification standards.
Container Weighing Systems
Container weighing is performed during vessel loading, land-based transportation, and transit logistics. Key weighing solutions include:
- Truck scales (truck + container weighing)
- Crane scales with spreader load cells
- Industrial platform scales
- Reachstacker or forklift load cell integration
Although methods vary based on port infrastructure, high-strength load cells are essential in all applications.
Crane Scales and Spreader Load Cell Systems
Container loading and unloading at ports is typically performed using
RTG, RMG, STS, and mobile cranes. By integrating
load cells into spreader equipment, container weight can be measured dynamically during lifting.
Advantages of spreader load cell systems:
- Real-time weighing during container movement
- Automatic data generation for VGM certification
- No slowdown in loading operations
- Maximum operational safety
These systems are specially designed to withstand heavy marine conditions, saltwater exposure, and mechanical shock.
Truck Scale Systems
One of the most commonly used methods before container loading is
weighing with truck scales. The truck and container are weighed together, and the net weight is calculated.
Benefits of truck scales:
- High accuracy
- Fast weighing operation
- Low operating costs
- Ability to detect various container load weights
Truck scales provide both commercial and operational control at port entry and exit points.
Forklift and Reachstacker Weighing Systems
Forklifts and reachstackers used in port warehouses can be integrated with weighing systems to ensure mobile load verification. These systems provide precise data in warehouse loading, cargo transfer, and container handling operations.
Advantages of weighing integration:
- Real-time verification during transport
- Prevention of overload risks
- Reduced operational time
- Enhanced warehouse safety and reporting
Sensors must be stainless steel and rated for IP68 or higher to withstand marine environments.
Dynamometer and Load Shackle Weighing Systems
In port operations, not only containers and vehicles but also lifting equipment must be monitored for safety. For this reason,
dynamometers and
load shackles (pin-type load cells) are widely used. These systems validate crane lifting capacity, determine load center, and support safety inspections.
Common applications:
- RTG, RMG, STS crane load testing
- Cargo lifting operations onboard vessels
- Safety inspections in shipyards
- Verification of ropes, hooks, and chain loads
- Weighing applications in commercial fishing
Load shackles are manufactured with saltwater-resistant steel bodies. Dynamometers allow remote monitoring through wireless communication, enabling safe measurement from a distance.
Weighing Applications in Maritime Industry
In the maritime sector, weighing systems are not only used for containers, but also for bunkering, liquid tank monitoring, bulk cargo handling, fishing, and port silos.
Primary applications include:
- Bunker fuel weighing
- Onboard liquid tank weighing
- Bulk cargo conveyor weighing
- Weighing systems for the fishing industry
- Silo stock tracking at ports
These systems are manufactured from durable materials resistant to impact and saltwater.
Digital Integration and VGM Reporting
When weighing systems are integrated with port management software, all weighing data is automatically reported. VGM-required data is shared with
ERP, terminal management software, customs systems, and automation infrastructure.
Benefits of digital integration:
- Automatic generation of VGM certificates
- Fast and error-free invoicing
- Real-time operational tracking
- Compliance with international data standards
Digital integration eliminates manual errors and reduces total operation time.
Weighing systems in maritime and port operations are crucial for VGM compliance, container safety, vessel loading balance, truck weighing, and logistics efficiency. With modern weighing technologies, port facilities improve safety standards, reduce operation time, and maintain full compliance with international laws.
Heavy-duty, saltwater-resistant, precision weighing systems with digital integration capabilities are indispensable technologies for maritime transportation and the global logistics network.
