The dissolution of two German-dominated multipurpose (MPP), heavylift and breakbulk shipping pools comes as an improving charter market offers owners an alternative source of employment.

BHS Pool Weser-Ems, formed by Briese Schiffahrt and Harren & Partner, has been quietly disbanded. So too has the MCT pool, formed by MarConsult Schiffahrt (MC-Schiffahrt) and Thorco Projects.

Ships from the two pools, which a year ago accounted for around 60 MPP and heavylift vessels, returned to the charter market.