INSTRUCTIONS FOR CARGO DELIVERED TO RORO AFRICA LOADING TERMINALS NEED TO COMPLY WITH THE FOLLOWING GUIDELINES AND WILL BE SUBJECT TO PHYSICAL INSPECTION AT THE GATE TO VERIFY

ADHERANCE TO LINE’S GUIDELINES

CARGO IDENTIFICATION

1. CHASSIS number / VIN IDENTIFICATION

All vehicles must bear clear shipper’s label on front screen window indicating full marks + numbers such as :

make/model- destination -client-chassis/ VIN numbers. In case of discrepancy the VIN number has to be

reachable for verification ( see Technical Aspects point 3. Engine Hoods… below )

WEIGHT

1. COMPULSORY WEIGHT INSPECTION

ALL USED BIG VANS & HIGH OR HEAVY RORO UNITS MUST BE WEIGHED

All used vehicles with the exception of cars/svans must be weighed either upon delivery on the

Terminal or prior delivery to loading Terminal. In case weighing facilities not available inside

terminal, shipper to weight the unit at a vgm-compliant weighting station. If vehicles are weighed before

delivery to TML than the shipper should produce a receipt stating the time and place of the weighing

operation. This should indicate that weighting has been performed reasonably close to delivery to Terminal

to avoid extra stuffing after weighing. Shippers to be advised of the weighing costs which may be charged at TML and of the procedures to be followed.

Terminal should be able to verify the maximum GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT ( GVW ) or the Gross

combined weight (GCW – which refers to the total mass of a vehicle, including trailers etc. ) as reported in

the official weight sticker attached to the vehicle. If the weight plate/sticker is either missing, illegible or

tampered with, than a copy of the registration licence and/or certified manufacturers document indicating

GVW/GCW should be produced by shipper. Only allowed exceptions are factory new vehicles, earthmoving

vehicles (excavators, dozers, loaders, graders, cranes), roadbuilding vehicles (roadrollers, pavers,…),

agricultural vehicles(harvesters, tractors, …), truckheads, cargo handling vehicles(forklifts, stackers, bobcats, tugmasters, …) providing they do not carry any stacked cargo whatsoever and providing the weight plate or official document is available and/or until all conditions are satisfied which may any other relevant administration operation indicating GVW/GCW.

In case the vehicle will not be conforming with any of the above conditions than the vehicle will be considered unsuitable for loading and any consequential costs/liability related to extra handling/ weighing / checks/formalities will be for shipper’s account.

2. OVERLOADED VEHICLES and DISCREPANCIES IN WEIGHT DECLARED

In case the measured weight of Bvans/HHeavy vehicles exceeds the maximum GVW / GCW than the vehicle

is to be rejected by TML and will not be considered ready for loading. TML will advise Booking Agent in order

to contact shipper and discuss further action to be taken which will include the removal of the vehicles or

part of its content.

All Terminals are authorised to perform weighing inspection on any other vehicle (besides those

already submitted to compulsory weighing inspection ) in case possible overload is suspected, reporting

eventual discrepancies to Owner’s Agents in order to correct cargo list.

All costs for extra weighing/handling, storage costs and/or other administrative costs which will incur as a

consequence of the overweight or incorrect weight declaration will be for shipper’s account.

MEASUREMENTS

1. MEASURING OF DIMENSIONS OF VEHICLES

The measuring of vehicles should be performed upon delivered to TML and should take in consideration anyadditional parts such as roofracks, towhooks, side steps, exhaust pipes, etc,, Side mirrors should be folded before measuring or in case cannot be folded they should be counted as part of the vehicle width.

The eventual removal of any of such parts after delivery can only be performed if authorised/agreed with

TML and against payment of any additional costs involved including eventual additional remeasuring. All costs will remain on shipper’s account.

Any dispute on measurements taken by TML must be addressed by shipper toowners agency who will discuss further contradictory/joint survey on dimensions.

Any heavy roro to be measured such as excavators, cranes, drilling rigs, will be measured with booms in

lowest rest position on the terminal surface.

Any vehicle with air suspension or hydraulic system lifting the vehicle up or downwards has to be measured

at operational height level required for loading on board of owner’s ship’s

2. GROUND CLEARANCE :

All vehicles must have sufficient GROUND clearance allowing to overcome the angle of inclination on the

various ramps on board.

Any angle of approach/departure which preclude the unit to cope with angle greater than 6.5 degrees should be communicated at time of booking.

Owner’s Terminals are requested to advise Port Agents in case possible ground clearance problems are noticed when units are delivered to TML.

TECHNICAL ASPECTS

1. MECHANICAL DEFECTS NOT ALLOWING NORMAL+SAFE HANDLING DURING

LOADING/DISCHARGING

Vehicles delivered must be in condition to be safely driven or towed on board. Vehicles with malfunctions ordefects on AXLES/SUSPENSION, STEERING MECHANISM, BRAKES, ENGINE, FUEL OR OIL RESERVOIRS

(leakages, external fuel reservoirs , etc, …), CLUTCH /GEARBOX (forward + reverse gear must be fully

operational) will be rejected for entering the terminal and rejected for loading.

Any heavily damaged vehicle in a manner that friction/physical contact is caused with engine or moving partsof the vehicle, will be rejected for loading

All TML will make proper checks on good functioning of steering, brakes, gearbox and visibility upon delivery prior /during each handling

Any vehicle with clear signs of fire damage will be rejected for loading,

Big vans, trucks and high+heavy roro:

All big vans, trucks and high+heavy roro units must be self propelling and will be tested upon delivery to

ensure that are compliant with these instructions.

Any vehicle belonging to these cargo classes which is delivered in non self propelling condition will be refused

for loading,

In the event any of abv vehicles although self propelling during delivery, cannot be started/safely driven on

board at time of loading than the unit will be put under stop and shipper will be requested to organise repairs

at his sole responsibility/cost/Time. Under no circumstances bvans or roro units with technical breakdowns

or in non self propelling condition can be pushed or towed on board unless specifically authorised by the

Line.

Line and GLT are not responsible for any damage caused during the handling of these non-operative roro

units even when loading is authorised.

2. TOWING EYE

Cars/small vans requiring assistance during loading should be towed on board using the towing eye which

should be available in the front part of the vehicle.

In case towing eye is not available than TML should utilise the safest means available to tow/push vehicles on board minimising any possibility of damages (using bumper only , possibly rubber protected, as point of

contact during pushing )

3. ENGINE HOODS/BONNETS/TRUNKS

All accesses to the vehicle’s interior, motor compartment, trunk and loading compartments must be

accessible at all times and under no circumstances welding or permanent sealing/closing is allowed

Shipper’s have the option to close off trunks by car key or by using removeable locking mechanism such as

padlocks, lashing belts, etc…

In the event that some accesses/compartments are closed TML reserves the right to open same where costs

will be charged to shippers

In case of discrepancy the VIN number has to be reachable for verification

In case of fire, motor or other compartments needs to be accessible for extinguishing

All vehicles delivered must bear clear shipper’s label on front screen window indicating full marks + numbers

such as: make/model-dest-client-weight-chassis nr

4. BATTERY/FUEL

All vehicles must be delivered with battery present, in normal required working condition and without faulty

/ exposed wiring.

Battery must be accessible at all times in order to jump start if needed, must be secured and

placed/positioned as per manufacturers specifications

All cars/svans/bvans must be delivered with min 5 lt of fuel inside – trucks and/or other heavy roro must have

min of 25 lt of fuel allowing for loading/discharging and terminals transport at PoL/PoD and eventual

T/shipment.

5. SEATS AND DOORS

Doors must be unlocked at all times

Driver’s seat must be in good condition allowing stevedore drivers to take a normal position behind the

wheel. Both driver’s and passengers front door must be in good working condition as these are the main exit

for the stevedore driver in case of fire.

Interior of vehicles must be dry and free from any debris

6. WINDOWS

The windows of the vehicles need to be closed at all times,

Front screen window and both front side windows must allow suitable visibility,

In case window(s) are missing, a transparent plastic covers must be fitted to prevent infiltration of rain which

to be removed for handling due to visibility

All vehicles must be free from any glass debris prior to delivery to TML

7. TYRES

Vehicles presented with FLAT or heavily damaged tyres will be rejected for loading,

In case after delivery and prior to loading flat tyres are noted, these will need to be repaired prior loading

due to safety rules for handling Owner’s  Terminal /Agency can be requested to assist and provide this repair

service in each port,

For any roro unit which is not fitted with standard rubber tyres or tracks, in case of roro loading, the shipper

must make sure that necessary protection is being attached to the wheels or rims in order to protect terminal

surface and vessel’s ramp and/or decks, In case of lack of this protection unit will be refused for entering GLT

hence loading,( compacters fitted with steel rims with pointy nobs, …), unless other means for transport are

agreed (mafi……)

8. KEYS – IGNITION SWITCH – ELECTRONIC / ELECTRICAL DEVICES CONSUMING POWER

All vehicles delivered must have key(s) present. Vehicles delivered without keys will not be considered ready

for loading and should be reported to local Owner’s Agent in order to contact client. Steering lock should

never be broken to allow a used car to be towed on board.

Ignition/Power supply needs to be in good working condition to allow start/switch off the vehicle in normal

manner .

Ignition and all other electrical devices consuming power (lights, radio… .) to needs to be switched off when

vehicle is parked For new vehicles the manufacturers instructions are to be followed as per instructions received by Owner’s Damage Prevention Department

9. NON SELF-PROPELLING CARS AND SVANS

Truck driver should request assistance to discharge non self-propelled vehicle to TML who will then provide

required labour and equipment for safe handling

Any non-respect of this rule will be reported to the shipper in question,

All costs involved with respect to delivering non self-starting units will be for shipper’s account

10. NON SELF PROPELLING BVANS – TRUCKS – TRAILERS – HIGH/HEAVY RORO

ALL UNITS +3,5 TONS (TRUCKS, BUSSES, TRACTORS, ROADBUILDING.,CARGO HANDLING….) must be

self-propelling upon delivery/entering TML and able to drive till place of rest on the terminal and vessel,

Any vehicle belonging to this cargo class which is presented to TML in non self-propelling condition will be

considered unsuitable for loading

In the event a big van or high/heavy roro unit is self propelling during delivery but cannot be started during

loading operations due to technical problems hence cannot be driven on board in a normal manner, the unit

will be rejected for loading and shipper will be requested to repair the unit at the earliest convenience, Unit

will remain blocked until necessary repairs have been carried out,

11. VEHICLES REQUIRING SPECIAL HANDLING ATTENTION

Units requiring specific driving instructions should contain clear operating instructions available in the driving

cabin at the time of delivery on TML,

All tractor/trailer combinations delivered must have fifth wheel and king pin in good working condition,

All air lines connections of trailers must be in good working condition,

Any truck head or tractor must be able to pull or push connected trailer on and off the sea going vessel, If

not they will be disconnected,

Eventual / potential additional loading costs in pol and pod resulting from disconnecting units to be for

account of shipper,

All trailers must be fitted with 2 moveable supports in good working condition,

12. TOWABLE HIGH/HEAVY RORO (TRAILERS/CARAVANS/,,,)

Not self propelled units designed be towed on board must have towing connection in good order and

standard European connection fitted,

Roro units requiring king pin connections or any other special connections and/or handling must be reported

at time of bookings and before delivering to TML

VIP VEHICLES

1. VEHICLES SHIPPED UNDER VIP STATUS MUST ADHERE TO FOLLOWING CRITERIA

Free of any impact damage besides minor scratches and dents

Must be self propelling,

No personal effects (besides those belonging to vehicle like spare tire-towing eye-crutch,,,) are allowed inside

the vehicle

Must be pre-announced as VIP prior to delivery at TML

Only cars and small vans can be accepted for shipment under VIP status

All VIP vehicles will be submitted to VIP survey performed by the Line prior to loading and prior discharging

PIGGY BACKED/VEHICLES STOWED ON TOP / INSIDE OF OTHER VEHICLES

1. STUFFING/STRIPPING OF CARGO INSIDE VEHICLES ON TERMINAL

Once vehicles are stored onto the terminal any additional cargo stuffing unto the vehicle and/or stripping of

cargoes off the vehicle should only be performed if authorised and performed by authorised personnel

of/under supervision of Terminal.

Any whatsoever cost and liability related to these activities are for shippers account.

Vehicles which external content has been modified after delivery should be remeasured .

2. PIGGY BACKED / RORO CARGO STACKED INSIDE LOADING COMPARTMENTS AND/OR STOWED ON TOP

OF LOADING PLATFORMS OF RORO VEHICLES

All RORO will be submitted to physical inspection upon delivery toOwner’s Lines Terminal in order to ensure

adherence to Line’s guidelines and to ensure that seaworthy lashing and securing,

All RORO presented with unseaworthy lashing will be rejected for loading until rectified in full,

Front and rear axle of all piggy backed/stacked units are required to physically rest on the loading platform

of the load bearing vehicle

All vehicles stacked on top must be resting on loading platforms originally designed by manufacturers to

directly carry and support cargo. Vehicles loaded on chassis beams and/or 5th wheel can be accepted only if

resting in a safe manner on supporting structure to ensure sufficient stability/safety during sea

transportation and weight is adequately spread. Transversal/longitudinal support beams can be additionally

installed in order to carry/support cargo properly.

No vehicle can rest on top of compressible items such as fuel tanks/battery holders/pallets/tyres/carton

boxes or positioned close/on top of heat producing parts such as exhaust pipes/engine/axles/etc…as this will

cause fire hazard.

In case the above conditions are not respected, Port Captain/Chiefmate/Agency rep will check vehicles

conditions and lashing/securing arrangements and may demand for additional lashing/securing or reject the

cargo for loading till rectified. All relevant costs to be for shipper’s account.

All closed loading compartments must be able to be opened for inspection and in this respect one access

point has to be free or can only be locked by removable locking mechanism (padlocks, lashing belts, …) -

compressed foam is forbidden to be used as sealing of doors as is very flammable substance.

For all piggy backed / stacked vehicles, irrespective of fuel type, all tanks must be empty and completely

drained of all residue. Installed batteries to be properly protected from short circuit.If the sides of a closed

loading compartment are found to be out of line due to internal cargo pushing on the sides, the subject

vehicle will be automatically rejected for loading until such cargoes are removed from the interior of the

subject vehicle,

If any items or parts of base units and stacked vehicles are found leaking fluids of any kind, subject vehicle

will automatically be rejected for loading

Shipper’s are fully responsible to make sure that all vehicles stowed inside / stowed on top of vehicles are in

full compliance with the existing port, environmental, customs regulations applicable in port of loading,

discharge and eventual transhipment port,(banned or prohibited goods, etc ,,,, )

Shipper’s are fully responsible to make sure that all vehicles stowed on top or inside any vehicle are in line

with the specific stowage criteria’s applicable for the subject vehicle (stress per m2 / height of stowed

cargo/internal lashing points capacity, stability and equal weight distribution, axle loads, ,,,etc ), In case same

are exceeded subject vehicle will be rejected for loading till rectified,

Vehicles which have been modified in a way that structural integrity/capacity was affected and reduced in

order to fit stacked cargo will be rejected for loading,

3. STANDARD MAX DIMENSIONS FOR HEAVY/HIGH RORO UNITS:

Maximum allowed height for stacked cargo + high/heavy roro to be loaded : 5,00 m

Maximum allowed overlength for stacked cargo on top of high+heavy roro : 2,00 m – only on the aft part and

only for second tier – no overhang allowed in third tier stacked cargo

Maximum allowed overwidth of stacked cargo on top of high+heavy roro : 0,50 m each side (left + right)

No overlength is allowed on front of any trailer (king pin plate connection)

Balance of base unit must remain in line within vehicle’s capacity in order to avoid tilting danger.

4. LASHING/SECURING

All lashing materials used for lashing /securing cargo stowed/stacked on top or inside must be good condition

and able to sustain the stress factors they were designed for,

Only lashing/securing material can be used which are able to be (re)tensioned such as : chains with chain

tensioners/belts with ratchets/cables-wire with turnbuckles/rope with turnbuckles/weblashings for

cars/svans. Steel wires/ropes with wire clips not to be accepted as compliant lashing anymore. only exception

is welded lashing were materials used (metal bars/plates/strips) must be min 3 mm diameter – 3 cm wide, All

weldings must be performed over min of 10 cm ( spot welding is not allowed)

The lashing fixing points for vehicles should always be wheel rims and/or axles,

The lashing must always be performed in a manner that all possible movements of cargo are covered -

forward+aft direction/side to side per each lashing fixing point

Chocks must be used in addition to lashing material to block stacked vehicles from moving back and forth,

The minimum capacity of the lashing materials used for vehicles should be as follows :

(1) cars/svans : min 0,50 tons per lashing – min quantity : 4 wheels x 2 = 8 lashings bvans : min of 1,50

tons per lashing – min quantity : 4 wheels x 2 : 8 lashings

(2) trucks /trailers : min 5 tons per lashing – min of 4 wheels x 2 = 8 lashings (depending on weight – see

below item 3)

(3) total capacity of breakload of the lashing materials used must be min 3 x the cargo weight

(4) for stacked trailers in addition to lashings on the side it is also compulsory to attach cross lashing fore

and aft

The lashing materials must always be attached to fixing points able to sustain the required stress factor,

In case items belonging to the respective vehicles are stowed inside/on top(spare parts, engine parts,,,,,,)

same must be properly lashed/secured and in no circumstances any loose items will be accepted, Any vehicle

with loose lying items will be rejected for loading until rectified, this also applies to vehicles with closed

loading compartments,

Any local health and safety regulations which might be applied in addition to the above must be respected

by the shipper’s and will be considered during the inspection process. Curtain siders will be dealt with as a

flat bed trailer with regards to lashing

Vehicles stowed on the 3th tier must be visible to check lashings – in case covered by tarpaulin, shipper’s will

be requested to remove for inspection and any other additional lashing requirements

Any vehicle found at loading ramp as non-compliant or showing insufficient lashing/securing for safety

concerns , will be subject to Port Captain/Chief officer decision to send it for additional lashing or to reject it

for loading. All costs / operations / formalities to make the cargo seaworthy to be for shipper’s account.

HAZARDOUS CARGO

1. NO HAZARDOUS CARGO IS ALLOWED INSIDE ANY VEHICLE

It is strictly prohibited to stow any kind of hazardous (dangerous) cargo inside any vehicle to be loaded as

roro delivered to TML. If noted at the gate then vehicle will be rejected for entering on TML If noted after

entering vehicle will be removed with immediate effect from TML at shipper’s responsibility and costs.

Shippers are hereby duly advised and warned in case such cargoes are stowed inside undeclared they are in

breach with the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG) for transport of hazardous cargo by

sea.

Lines/Terminals will organise random inspections which in case of establishing non-compliance,

shipper’s to kept legally responsible for all consequences.

In case vehicle was already loaded on board the vessel, Lines will undertake all required /legal

actions necessary.

LPI/LPG/LNG vehicles can be accepted for shipment prior to written approval by the Line.

LPI/LPG/LNG is allowed only when used for propulsion of the vehicle and provided installation was made

conform to required norms and regulations.

Prior to delivery these vehicles have to be preannounced indicating type of propulsion to Grimaldi Agency

and GLT in order to allow to arrange proper storage and stowage,

2. CLEANING CERTIFICATE / GAS FREE CERTIFICATE for TANKTRAILERS/TRUCKS OR LOOSE FUELTANKS

Owner will submit all tanktrucks/tanktrailers, including piggy backed/stacked, to a survey on terminal prior

to loading in order to check and verify that its condition corresponds the required standards of clean, dry,

gasfree and non-hazardous, The value of LEL/LFL/O2 and cleanliness will be checked by Owner’s surveyor,

Any vehicle not corresponding to these standards will be automatically rejected for loading and shipper will

be requested to remove the vehicle from TML within 48 hrs,

Any non-hazardous gas present in vehicles like f.e. reefer cooling systems have to be compliant with the

allowed environmental rules and regulations for export – shippers are to provide a statement wherein type

of gas is declared to allow verification or to provide certificate for cleaning upon delivery to TML

For safety reasons the used tanktruck/tanktrailers can be stowed only on weatherdeck

For any manufacturer new tanktruck/tanktrailer the shipper has to provide an original statement from the

manufacturers that the vehicle was never used for loading any cargo,

This certificate cannot be older then 2 working days before date of gate in. In case shipper’s fail to provide

such statement then vehicles will be submitted to survey on terminal,

All tanktrailers/tanktrucks/loose tanks need to be completely empty and free of hazardous gas and/or any

hazardous cargo upon delivery to TML.

Shippers are to ensure that the above is organised prior to delivery to TML and are advised to use only

competent cleaning companies ( E.g. : EFTCO – see their website for certificate/terms and conditions).

A gas free certificate may thereafter be provided by the shipper to the local agents/ TML. Relevant gas free

certificates must be in English (along with local language if the case may be) and clearly state LEL/LFL/O2

levels. Gas free certificates cannot be older than 2 working days prior date of gate in.

All units presented non conform to these rules will be rejected for loading,

Any non hazardous gas present in vehicles like f.e. reefer cooling systems have to be compliant with the

allowed environmental rules and regulations for export – shipper’s are to provide a statement wherein type

of gas is declared to allow verification or to provide certificate for cleaning upon delivery to TML

Reefer truck/trailers will need to have cleaning certificate from a licenced cleaning company in case cooling

liquid is not allowed to be exported according to environmental rules and regulations, This not to be

confused as hazardous cargo.

For safety reasons the used tanktruck/tanktrailers can be stowed only weatherdeck

LIABILITIES

Terminals may not allow delivery of the vehicles unless in line with these guidelines. Whether or not the

delivery of the cargo is accepted into our terminals and/or the Line accept the loading of the vehicles the

shipper remains responsible for any whatsoever consequences/liability/extra-costs which may be arising

from the not compliance with ,and not limited to, these guidelines and/or with the terms and conditions of

Owners Group Bill of Lading .

It is ultimate decision of the Vessel Captain to accept cargo on board. Captain may reject any cargo from

being loaded if deemed not complying with international regulations / carrier’s guidelines and/or

unseaworthy/unsafe.

All costs/extra handling/formalities related to cargo rejected at time of loading, including any subsequent

action needed to make the cargo seaworthy, will be for shipper’s account.

 

FURTHER SPECIFICATION ABOUT BYLOAD VEHICLES POLICY:

 

1. Cars/small vans (no change):

• In this vehicle category of cars and small vans no byload allowed in all types of  cars and small vans   - the only items allowed are items inherent to the vehicle (1 x spare tyre/crutch/small set of tools/fire extinguisher/fluo warning vest/signs)

 

2. Big vans (no change):

• In this vehicle category no byload is allowed regardless of the fact that the vehicle has a  cargo compartment – the only items allowed are items inherent to the vehicle (1 x spare  tyre/crutch/small set of tools/fire extinguisher/fluo warning vest/ signs)  

 

3. Trucks/Roro:

• In this vehicle category no byload is allowed regardless of the fact that the vehicle has a cargo compartment whether enclosed (e.g. box truck, curtain side trailer) or open (e.g. flat bed trailer, tipper) – the only items allowed are items inherent to the vehicle (1-2 spare wheel(s) / small set of tools / fire extinguisher / warning vest / signs) and/or for its designed exploitation purpose (e.g. firetrucks water hoses – bucket/arms for road building equipment – forks for cargo handling equipment, etc.)

 

The ONLY permissible and allowed cargo to be stacked inside or on top are fully assembled vehicles together with limited accessories inherent to these vehicles as already detailed above in points 1/2/3. 

It is allowed that the stacked vehicles have their wheels dismantled/removed and other parts (e.g. aero diffuser/spoiler)  which must be stacked/lashed and secured in a seaworthy manner on top of the vehicle.

IMPORTANT that the stacked vehicles contain no byload and they will have to have their battery disconnected (as per Grimaldi Procedure ) and fuel tank empty. 

 

There is no change to existing modalities for passenger vehicles such as buses, coaches where no byload is allowed.

3. General remarks

• Any byload must be recycled in line with the ports, local and/or international environmental rules and regulations prior to entry to terminal
• Any vehicles in cargo compartments (and limited accessories as detailed) have to be inspectable in a safe manner – safely/seaworthy stacked / lashed  & secured and corresponding to all current safety/maritime/environmental rules and regulations