Mobicons TF2 Takes Uncertainty From Solas

Thursday, 25 August 2016 ( #784 )

Mobicons TF2 Can Now Be Fitted With SOLAS Compliant Weighing Equipment

Mobicon Mini Straddle Carriers TF2 (Top Spreader - 2 High) model can now be fitted with VGM container weighing equipment, as a cost effective solution to the new SOLAS weight requirements that came into effect globally on July 1st 2016.

Tom Schults Managing Director of Mobicon Mini Straddle Carriers said;
"The new SOLAS weighing requirements have the potential to add significant costs to companies budgets if they have to rely on ports, or truck/transport weigh bridges to meet the new weight regulations. Mobicons' TF2 model now has the option to be fitted with a SOLAS approved weighing system'.
'Being able to fit our machines with this type of technology means using a Mobicon to weigh the containers will not only be a much cheaper option for our clients, but also a far more efficient one" Tom Schults said.

There is growing concern in the Australian container handling industry that The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) have taken an overly stringent approach to the introduction of the new SOLAS container weighing regulations that came into effect on July first 2016.

Tom Schults said;
"AMSA who are responsible for adhering to SOLAS in Australia, can set their own rules, within the guidelines of the IMO (International Maritime Organisation).'
'Other countries such as the Netherlands, China & Argentina have set their weight tolerance at 5%, and it is generally accepted that accuracy of anything between 2% & 5% is sufficient to guarantee safety, and prevent ships from being over loaded, which ultimately was the purpose for the SOLAS changes'.
'However in Australia AMSA have issued the Marine Order (MO 42) in which they state the weighing requirement must be done in accordance with OIML R51, a large document which contains requirements and procedures for mobile weighing equipment, and was originally developed for 'trade weighing' accuracy. By making this ruling it means the requirements in Australia are so onerous, that adhering to the rules, requires very expensive equipment and time consuming procedures'."

Under the new SOLAS requirements containers now need to have their weight measured and verified before being presented at a Port, by one of two methods. The first by weighing the whole Container after the goods are packed, or the second which is to weigh the goods, and add this to the Tare Weight of the container. The approval process of weighing equipment that can be fitted to a Forklift, Reach Stacker or Straddle Carrier in Australia that adheres to OIML R51 will take around 18 months, and is very costly. With such stringent procedures now in effect, we are not convinced that AMSA have taken into account the real intention of the IMO and have made compliance for Australian Container Handlers more costly than our international counterparts.

Weighing equipment for compliance with SOLAS does not need the accuracy of "trade weighing" equipment, and AMSA making this ruling basically means that the weighing equipment on Forklifts, Reach Stackers and Straddle Carriers is now going to be far more expensive than it needs to be. In the container handling industry time is money, and bringing trucks over weigh bridges is expensive, as time is lost to divert a truck over a weigh bridge. Weigh bridges are also limiting as they can only weigh a truck/trailer with one container on it, as each container has to be weighed separately. Fitting weighing equipment on a Forklift, Reach Stacker or Straddle Carrier makes a lot more sense from an efficiency and cost saving perspective.

Mobicon can supply a weighing system for their TF2 Mini Straddle Carrier Models that is approved to OIML R51 standards. However due to the Australian requirements, it is around 300% more expensive than systems we supply to other countries that have a different less stringent approach to SOLAS.
Although we support the new SOLAS requirements, we are hoping that in the future AMSA will re-look at its decision to require our container handlers to meet 'Trade Weighing' standards, and set their policy more in line with our international counterparts where an accuracy of between 2-5% is sufficient.

Mobicon Mini Straddle Carriers TF2

About Mobicon Mini Straddle Carriers TF2
Established in 1994, Mobicon Systems designs and manufactures Mini Straddle Carriers that provide cost effective, quick and reliable container handling solutions. Suitable for a wide variety of terrains, the Mobicon's unique 4 axle design is the only mini straddle carrier on the market today recognised by civil engineers not to damage the average yard.
Mobicon Machines are used all over the globe in industries such as Defence Forces, Customs, Ports, Logistics Companies, Mining and Import/Export operations who require fast and efficient container handling operations.

Mobicon Mini Straddle Carriers TF2 are a safer, and more cost effective solution than forklifts or side loaders and are durable, easy to use, and provide superior maneuverability.
Mobicons most popular models include the TF2 which can stack one on one, and uses an Elme spreader to lift the containers meaning the driver does not have to exit the cabin. Plus the 2T which can go anywhere including under awnings and be used in small warehouse conditions.