Convoys were tried in 2008, and are still used when the system would work. Reasons why convoys are not used as much as might be are:
a). Ships with perishable goods cant't wait around
b). The cost of running ships and the insurance cost for carried goods is extremely prohibitive and who would provide for a loss of income or for a price increase for goods in the Market place
c). Ships are coming from all over the place, where would they gather to form a convoy?
d). The area that the Somali pirates are operating is is so vast that some convoys would be starting in the piracy zone. Where would they gather? They would have to be individually escorted, taking vessels away from the mammoth task of hunting down pirate boats
e). There are not enough naval assets in position to implement a full convoy system
f). Remember that a convoy is only as good as the weakest link in the convoy. You all travel at one speed
g). How would a naval escort protect the convoy? ROE's are very prohibitive. If the convoy escorts are taken up searching potential pirate boats, other pirate boats could board the ships. I.E. Overwhelm the convoy protection with pirate boat numbers
h). If the convoy system works, Somali pirate attacks drop off. The navy protection system goes home, the Somali pirates start again.
i). Cost to the tax payer. Are you willing to subsidise others goods?
j). What about yachts?
k). Ships going to different destinations. In the large area the Somali pirates cover, the convoy routes would end up adding significant mileage and time to ships routes
l). Some destinations are within the Somali pirate zone. How do you manage this?
The above is a list that is incomplete, and may need further explanation, but hopefully suggests some of the issues.
Edited for typing errors and to add a further point.
Last edited by hval; 14th Feb 2011 at 07:05.