FONASBA, the international ship brokers and ship agents federation, this week gave its full backing to international government and industry efforts aimed at ensuring that shipping containers for export are accurately weighed. The initiative, which is being led by the World Shipping Council in concert with shipowners’ association BIMCO, the International Association of Ports and Harbours, the International Chamber of Shipping and the International Transport Workers Federation, as well as the maritime administrations of Denmark, the Netherlands and the United States, will be launched at the 17th session of IMO’s Sub-Committee on Dangerous Goods, Solid Cargoes and Containers (DSC 17) in September. The problem of under-declared and unverified containers is a serious one for ports and ships.