CONTAINER weigh-in proposals have met with the International Transport Workers Federation, saying they are too little for safety while the European Shippers' Council says they have great costs and no benefit.

But the World Shipping Council, representing carriers and shipmanagers, congratulated the International Maritime Organisation for approving the mandatory container weigh in measure.

Said WSC president Chris Koch: "We have worked with the IMO to address the problem of incorrect container weights for over six years and we are pleased that the amendments and guidelines have been approved."

The International Transport Workers' Federation also supports compulsory weigh-ins, as opposed to weight declarations by shipper, but said providing options of weigh-in methods, such as weighing individual container contents versus the simple pre-loading box weight, undermines the idea of a straightforward rule applicable to all.

Said ITF president Paddy Crumlin: "This was the ideal opportunity to finally bring in a system which would lessen the risk. Instead, we have a compromise that will put in place a process likely to be bedevilled by questions of who will certify, when, and how?"

Disagreeing, the European Shippers Council said the measures did not add anything to safety of containers at sea.

"The only measure that would have helped immediately to improve safety is to ensure shipowners to take into due consideration during the process the shippers' verified information on weighing to replace the booking one," it said.

"These measures will only add to extra costs and administrative burden to shippers around the world with consequences to global supply chains," said the ESC statement.