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Disadvantages Of A Shipping Pool

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A shipping pool enjoys several benefits. Besides the ability to undertake large contracts of affreightment, the pool can diversify risks and enjoy economies of scope. With higher load factors and the ability to minimise ballast legs and idle time, a pool can benefit from a semi-industrial carrier model for long-term relationships and fulfilment of contracts. Downsides of a shipping pool are issues with regulatory agencies, no control of tonnage, reliance on third parties, market risks, and speculative activity.

3.4 Similar Tonnage
Vessels that combined a pool are similar between them in terms of deadweight tonnage. The tonnage should be more or less similar so that cargo and ship switched and optimum fleet deployment could be effectively managed.
3.5 Weighing System / Fair System
It is common for shipping pools to use pre-arranged weighting systems and algorithms. Earnings and distribution are predefined in the system. Overhead costs and fees are deducted and distributed between participants using the formula. Software aids the decision-making process of the pool management to ensure that the system is fair. Following the pre-defined period, participants can withdraw their ships from the pool. 3 to 6 month commitments are typical. If owners …show more content…

Goals of a pooling arrangement are aimed at sharing risk by operating contributed assets as a cohesive fleet and collecting and distributing revenues using a pre-determined points-based weighting system. In the industry, the majority of pools are not structured through separate legal entities. Such cases could also be considered as joint ventures. Revenue and cost sharing endeavour to protect return on the company's assets. It is typical to appoint a pool manager, who has the power to use voting rights and decision-making rights from a management contract. In some cases, the manager is merely an agent for the pool

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