Neutral operator 'ready' for Solas regulation

CFR Freight is ready for the
International Maritime
Organisation (IMO) Safety of
Life at Sea (Solas) verified gross
mass (VGM) regulation that
kicks in this month – and doesn’t
expect to see a
major change
in its current
operations.
“We see it as
a very positive
move and we
are ready to
handle both less
than container
load (LCL) and
full container
loads (FCL) for
our clients,”
said CEO of
the CFR group
of companies, Peter Schmidt-
Löffler.
He told FTW that the
regulation did bring greater
responsibility – for all parties
involved in the supply chain – and
additional costs. “But we are well
prepared and have informed all
our clients well in advance and so
don’t foresee any issues with the
transition.”
Managing director of CFR
Freight, Martin
Keck, added that
the company was
the first ‘shipper’
to be approved
to use Method 2
(of two methods)
by South African
Maritime Safety
Authority
(Samsa)-
accredited
third party
certification
agent, ABC
Kings.
“Therefore any freight forwarder
who entrusts their cargo to us will
have the peace of mind knowing
that there is full compliance with
the new regulation,” he said.
INSERT & CAPTION
We are ready to handle
both less than container
load (LCL) and full
container loads (FCL) for
our clients.
– Peter Schmidt-Löffler