Two conferences in the natural-ice trade

Abstract

A conference in shipping can be understood as a cartel-like association of competing shipping companies. The purpose is to ensure stable framework conditions in the form of ‘sensible’ freight rates. Conferences were first used in the second half of the nineteenth century by liner shipping companies. In tramp shipping, conferences became relevant at the beginning of the twentieth century. This article tells the story of two conferences in the tramp-shipping segment of the ice-transport business, both of which were active in the early twentieth century. Two groups of shipping companies, inspired by international developments, were established. One grouping was organized as most conferences were, while the other was organized more broadly. The former was a conference for shipping companies with wooden steamships, while the latter was for shipping companies with sailing ships. The development of these two organizations is followed in relation to the export of Norwegian natural ice. The article assesses the significance of ice freight for Norwegian shipping during the early twentieth century, the extent to which the two conferences were able to establish minimum rates for the transport of ice, and why the two conferences developed differently.