A pool is a joint effort where a limited number of relatively small ship-owners bring their fleet together to form one large pool of ships, and market them as a single commercial brand. The large size of the pool would enable the owners to develop a significant brand image, command market share and presence, negotiate large contracts of affreightment, and benefit from economies of scale. At the same time, with technical and operational control remaining with the individual owners, they could maintain optimum control, flexibility and response to change in a way that only small companies could do.
N Sankar, Chairman, the Sanmar Group, greets Torm Erik Klaveness, Chairman, Bulkhandling, Oslo, at the Pool Meet.
Torvald Klaveness, a shipping major from Norway, formed such a pool called the “Bulkhandling Pool”, which Sanmar Shipping joined in 1996.The Bulkhandling Pool leveraged on this “win-win” concept and Sanmar, has contributed in no small
way, to its success. With twelve partners from all parts of the globe including Japan, Greece, the UK, India, Norway, United Arab Emirates and Turkey, the Bulkhandling Pool controls 37 ships and is a formidable force in the world of dry bulk cargo shipping.
Every six months, the owners or representatives of the pool meet together to take stock of what has gone by and review what lies ahead.
The visitors were treated to a taste of Indian culture.
This year, Sanmar Shipping hosted the pool meeting which was held on 21st and 22nd October, 2002, at the idyllic locale of The Taj Fisherman’s Cove at Covelong Beach on the outskirts of Chennai. The meeting involved deliberations by the best minds in the industry from around the world.
The diverse partners discussed matters of future strategy, exchanged their views on their study of the markets, ironed out any minor differences of opinion and finally agreed on a roadmap for the short and long term.The delegates were treated to a wonderful cultural mural and dinner hosted by N Sankar, Chairman of the Sanmar Group.
One big happy family.
All the international visitors were given a taste of Indian hospitality and cuisines. When the curtains were brought down on the night of the 21st, all the delegates were given a warm farewell. From the feedback we have received, they have not yet stopped talking of their sojourn in the land of mystical cultures and professional managers. By Capt N J Nair, General Manager-Operations, Sanmar Shipping.
A meeting of minds.