Seaway Launches E-Business Applications

The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC) and the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (SLSDC) announced today the launch of their E-Business Application Suite. Designed after extensive consultation with the marine industry, the suite provides a range of applications that will enhance the Seaway and Great Lakes as a key transportation artery within North America and gateway to global trade. Comprised of four applications, the suite enables stakeholders to efficiently plan transits, calculate costs, and coordinate activities with other stakeholders. Users can access the suite on the Seaway's www.greatlakes-seaway.com Web site. The subscription fee for 2002 is $1,000 (Cdn.). The suite includes: Cost Calculator, a resource enabling the user to input a few key elements outlining the planned voyage, and to receive an estimate of the resulting transit cost, incorporating published rates on Seaway tolls, pilotage fees, and government levies. Cargo Matching, an online marketplace providing a forum for ship owners / operators / agents seeking additional cargoes, and a forum for shippers / agents seeking to book cargo with a shipping company. Using the online forums, one party can identify a potential match and contact the other party, to establish a price and arrange shipment. Vessel Transit Information provides a vessel's owner / operator / authorized agent to view their vessel on the Seaway's Web site, and to "drill down" on the vessel symbol to obtain detailed information (current position, estimated time of arrival to next destination, cargo, etc.). Online Transactions / Account Information provides the means to file pre-clearance requests and transit declarations online, and to view the status of one's account with the Seaway. This function is only available to users of the Seaway who pay commercial tolls. "E-business is changing the way we do business. We are a customer focused organization, and this initiative is yet one more example of the Seaway's commitment to meeting customer needs" concurred Guy Véronneau, President of The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation and Albert Jacquez, Administrator of the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation. "E-business is here to stay, and will enhance our efforts to gain a broader exposure to the global transportation sector."