Dot Com, Maritime Style
Much as has transpired in mainstream consumer markets, the dot com craze has recently enveloped the maritime world with promises of cost savings and operational efficiencies. While an attrition and natural process of consolidation can eventually be expected, the world of e-commerce solutions for the maritime market is definitely in its infancy. While it is impossible to judge the full working models in this report, the following text contains synopsis reports on some of the more noteworthy market entrants. Recently launched by Boston-based WebPark Corp., Boat-Park.com is an on-line virtual trade show, which seeks to bring together worldwide participants into its virtual trade show, which is open 24/7.
NY Provides Real-Time Shipping Information
The Port Authority unveiled a Web site that provides real-time information on ship arrivals at the Port of New York and New Jersey, as well as the status of cargo and activity at terminal gates. Under a $1.9 million contract with the Port Authority, the new system known as Freight Information Real-time System for Transport or FIRST is being developed by Americas Systems Inc. (ASI) of Murray Hill, N.J. Representatives of the shipping industry and other public and private sector organizations have joined in designing the demonstration project. Information on the site www.firstnynj.com has been drawn from various sources to provide ocean carriers…
Port Authority to Continue Web Site
A unique Port Authority Web site has been a hit with the shipping community using the Port of New York and New Jersey, and will be continued after a year’s trial, Port Commerce Director Richard M. Larrabee announced today. The Web site – known as Freight Information Real-time System for Transport or FIRST – was developed last September by Americas Systems Inc. (ASI) of Murray Hill, N.J., as part of a demonstration project for the Port Authority. Since the Web site’s launch, additional information has been added to assist port customers and more upgrades are planned in the upcoming year. Information on the site – www.firstnj.com – is collected from various sources to provide ocean carriers…
