The Dutch shipping community is set to enjoy a seamless way of consolidating and sharing Verified Gross Mass (VGM) data thanks to a new partnership between Portbase and Germany’s Portrix Logistic Software (PLS). Portbase, which runs a unique Port Community System in The Netherlands, will now use Portrix’s VGM solution to enrich the Portbase service Notification Verified Gross Mass to ensure its customers enjoy easy compliance with the latest SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) requirements.

Introduced in July 2016, the VGM requirement stipulates that shippers must have containers weighed by an authorised party prior to shipping. This information must then be passed on to the relevant carrier either before collection, or at the allotted terminal entrance point. PLS’ VGM application captures all relevant data before automatically, and securely, sharing it electronically with carriers – thus ensuring legal obligations are fulfilled and containers are not left standing on the docks.

Henning Voss, Co-founder and CEO of the Hamburg headquartered PLS, explained how VGM will add value for the Portbase community: “Portbase connects the players in the Dutch logistics market, enabling everyone in the logistics chain to share and access relevant information. VGM data is now a key element of that eco-system and by integrating our application into Portbase’s service Notification Verified Gross Mass they have a simple means of exchanging it, instantly connecting forwarders to every conceivable carrier they wish to partner with.”

He continued: “We’ve been developing advanced software solutions for the logistics sector for over 15 years, so we intimately understand our customers’ needs and the shifting demands of the marketplace. The VGM application is testament to that. We now look forward to using it as a platform to assist the Dutch shipping community, while developing our relationship with one of its key players.”

Speaking of the decision to partner with PLS, Portbase’s Managing Director Iwan van der Wolf explained: “Portbase is pleased to work with Portrix on the VGM application. It helps our community in their logistic processes and contributes to safer transport over sea.”