JOC Staff | Mar 15, 2013 4:37PM EDT
The Dutch parliament has called for work to stop on an international scheme to weigh each packed container before it is loaded on board a ship.
The proposal was developed by the United Nations’ International Maritime Organization and seeks to reduce the number of containers lost at sea.
Until recently, the Netherlands had been a major proponent of the proposal. However, a majority of Dutch parliamentarians said it is unclear how the IMO’s proposal to implement stricter weighing requirements for containers prior to loading would contribute to reducing the number of lost containers. The Dutch parliament also said the IMO’s proposal would increase transportation costs for land-based industries.
The European Shippers Council, which represents the logistical interests of European businesses, and Melanie Schultz van Haegen, the Dutch Minister of Infrastructure and the Environment, have applauded the Netherlands’ new approach.