Hong Kong-based iShipExchange has announced that Marubeni Corporation of Japan has become a Strategic Partner in the internet-based procurement business for the shipping industry. iShipExchange (www.ishipexchange.com ) said that the service, which went live in September 2000, has been operating successfully with its founding members and is now inviting the shipping community at large to use its service. iShipExchange is a joint undertaking of three founders: Hong Kong and Vancouver-based Fairmont Shipping, the established dry bulk shipowner and operator; Pioneer iConcepts of Hong Kong-listed Pioneer Global Group, the internet incubator; and US-based procurement software developer, Command Line Corp.