Kenya not ready to comply with shipping rule, says EASC

A new global rule that requires all shipping containers to be weighed before being loaded onto ships may catch local cargo transporters napping as the deadline draws closer. The cargo transporters in the region have indicated that it would take urgent preparations and sensitisation of the public to meet the July 1 deadline.

East African Shippers Council (EASC) chief executive officer Gilbert Langat said although the global rule was agreed upon three years ago, Kenya might be forced to negotiate for a time extension because it was still not ready to comply with the rule. Langat said it was not yet clear what percentage of the cost would be factored as the weighing charge, and exactly where the exercise will take place — the port of Mombasa or container depots. “There is need to identify third parties with well calibrated weighing equipment to avoid any hitches. It is also important for the Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA), as the industry regulator, to determine the percentage cost of weighing the containers,” Langat said.