The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) launched its first Internet-based e-commerce system, MARINET, for shipping transactions today. The system, which offers a host of maritime services that the shipping community can access on-line, was officially launched by Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, Parliamentary Secretary for Communications, at a ceremony held at PSA Auditorium. More than 110 maritime representatives attended the event.

MARINET is the MPA's latest initiative to ensure that the Port of Singapore stays highly efficient and cost-competitive.

In his opening address, Dr Ibrahim reiterated MPA's commitment as port authority to continually leverage on the use of Information Technology to better serve the shipping community. He urged port users to consider adopting e-commerce systems as the new and faster way of doing business to increase their competitive edge.

MARINET provides four main services. First, the web-based system allows the shipping community to submit statutory declarations such as declaration of vessel arrivals and departures, dangerous goods, and information on bunker operations to MPA through the Internet. The electronic submission of such declarations through MARINET is faster and convenient as port users can do so round-the-clock from the comfort of their homes or offices. They only need to have Internet access before they tap into MARINET anywhere and at anytime.

Second, the system offers a one-stop facility for shipping agents to order pilotage and towage services from the pilot and tug service providers. This service supports MPA's tug liberalisation programme and allows port users to place tug orders with their preferred tug operators via the Internet. Shipping agents can thus be kept informed of the status of their tug service orders via MARINET. All six licensed tug operators servicing the Singapore port are linked to the system. The linkages allow for better coordination of information and in turn raise the overall service levels of the operators.

Third, MARINET provides value-added, real-time information on vessel arrivals and departures, and up-to-date vessel location in port. Port users are also able to check on the status of their vessel declarations, and receive port clearances electronically upon approval.

Besides the interactive transaction services, MARINET also provides Electronic Data Inter-change (EDI) facility for the bunker suppliers to submit monthly bunker operations information to MPA. Bunker suppliers are expected to find this paperless method more convenient and efficient.

Currently, MARINET has 1,500 accounts from over 370 companies in the maritime industry. These include shipping lines, shipping agencies, bunker suppliers, freight forwarders, ferry operators, tug operators and marina clubs.

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