The International Maritime Organization (IMO) announced changes in the SOLAS regulations, which require that all containers have a verified gross mass (VGM) before being loaded onto a ship.
The regulations came into force on 1 July 1 2016 and is intended to improve safety at sea through verifying the actual weight of all containers to be shipped. The need for the change is based on the fact that incorrectly reported container weights are a safety hazard.
Autotech Weighing Systems are the sole South African agents for Tamtron, a leading international manufacturer of scales and weighing information management systems. In June 2017, Autotech successfully attained trade approval for a Tamtron onboard reach stacker scale. This now forms part of the range of approved equipment, which already includes on-board wheel loader scales, high-speed in-motion rail weighbridges and materials handling equipment.
With the approved system, containers can be weighed according to SOLAS, OIML and SANAS regulations. Weighing takes place during normal operations without interrupting or slowing down the workflow at seaports or container depots.
The scale can be installed on all types of container stackers with no need for structural changes, and can be integrated with an onboard PC. Tamtron scales can transfer weighing information to an information management cloud service in real-time, or through integration into ERP, WMS and TOS systems. Bi-directional data communication enables the container ID and VGM to be combined.
Weighing information management is now, in the era of digitalisation, a more relevant topic than ever. Growing demands for efficiency, traceability, safety and ecological responsibility of companies and operators make accurate, accessible and reportable weighing information an essential part of their competitive advantage.
Mining sector turns to private renewables
News
As the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism enters its permanent phase and global buyers tighten emissions disclosure requirements, South African mining operations are accelerating the integration of privately contracted renewable power into their energy mix.
Read more...Appointment Beckhoff Automation
News
Beckhoff Automation has appointed Luzuko Bulembu as technical support engineer.
Read more...From the editor's desk: You could be doing what? Technews Publishing (SA Instrumentation & Control)
News
Humanoid robots are increasingly featuring in the news. Some of them are a bit creepy, some make you anxious because they might take your job, but others are a lot of fun, and they’re getting better ...
Read more...Experience ICRA 2026 right here in Gqeberha, South Africa
News
The IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA) is the largest robotics, automation, artificial intelligence, and manufacturing conference in the world. You can experience the premier keynote and plenary presentations in Gqeberha.
Read more...Elevating artisanal skills is key to revitalising South Africa’s economy ACTOM Electrical Machines
News
We need to challenge the stigma attached to artisanal and technical careers, and we also need a mindset shift supported by the schooling system so that young people understand future career pathways, choose subjects accordingly, and recognise that artisanal and technical skills carry equal value in a modern economy.
Read more...40 years of PC-based control Beckhoff Automation
News
When Beckhoff elevated the industrial computer to the status of a central control system four decades ago, a paradigm shift occurred.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.