Speaking at the association's annual meeting, Mr Pannell said that, although there had been criticism of general average from some sectors of the industry, it was unlikely to be eliminated from legal systems all over the world. General average was developed to provide an equitable system to allocate costs which compensate for measures taken at sea to avert or minimise loss. As such, it should be supported, even if it seems a bit unfair on those whose cargo hasn't caused any problems or befallen a terrible accident.
Trouble is, worthiness is no guarantee of popularity.
In today's monstrously competitive marine insurance industry, which is driven almost entirely by greed, it comes way down the pecking order. General average has had a bad press over the years. Subject to abuse. These are some of the nicer things which have been said about it. Much of that is unfair, but so is life.