Shipbrokers Hedge - dealing with an uncertain future

No - this is not a series of posts around how charterers or shipowners can hedge freight risk. So no I will not be discussing paper markets, long term time charters or COA's (contracts of affreightments).

With all the uncertainty around the world this is a shout out to chartering people round the globe.

How can 'we' best weather the economic, technological, financial and environmental shit storm (pardon the English) that is upon us?

So here is my pick of practical, alternative, income ideas and side hustles perfect for shipbrokers and chartering people across the globe. We are a unique bunch with certain collective attributes that avail us to certain opportunities not necessarily open to others.

I currently invest, do, participate in each of these ideas (just so that you know I would not ask you do anything I wouldn't)

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The Virtual Shipbrokers top 15 side hustles and hedge ideas for the globe chartering community


1. Buy Gold!

When the worlds economies are hurting - shipping markets also hurt. Demand is down, vessels are under employed, banks start screaming and our jobs are on the line.

So lets go defensive and BUY GOLD....

'Between Nov. 30, 2007, and June 1, 2009, the S&P 500 index fell 36%. The price of gold, on the other hand, rose 25%. This is the most recent example of a material and prolonged stock downturn, but it's also a particularly dramatic one because, at the time, there were very rea­l concerns about the viability of the global financial system'.

Strategy - 25 percent of your income from now on goes into buying gold. There is no passive income here but you can protect your asset wealth.

Want to know how to buy gold?

Click Here


2. Invest in Supply Chain Tech

Worried that technology is taking over shipping? Worried that big data, robots and geeks in turtle necks will be taking over our jobs? Hedge that risk by being an owner in that future.

Maritime tech is in a funny situation at the moment. There are quite a few fake it till you make mobs who will soon run out of steam in this current economic environment. There will be little appetite for funding and the established, value laden firms will survive. Great article Here

So I suggest broadening the hedge and investing in supply chain solutions, block chain etc

Click here for more information


3. In office pet sitting

When homeowners travel, it opens up an opportunity for pet sitting services to come by and take care of their animals. This is perfect for us! 

When fixtures have dried up for a month, or a a voyage has gone wrong with unforeseen delays - Send out the company chauffeur at 7am to round up the clan and bring these fury creatures into the office. 

It will be great for morale and the benefits to the bottom line are obvious. The more pets the better.

This is now my major form of income...and the dog is now a trainee

Pawshake

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More side hacks to come!