New Web site will serve LA/LB maritime community

By Staff -- Logistics Management, 2/1/2001

Once a luxury, online communities that allow users to share information have become a necessity. For the complex web of players in the maritime industry, such an information source is especially welcome.

The non-profit Marine Exchange of Los Angeles/Long Beach Harbor is developing an interactive Web site that will function as an information clearinghouse for maritime activities in those ports. The trademarked site, called "PortSource," will be a neutral portal providing real-time operating data to port authorities, shipping companies and agents, ship chandlers, trucking companies, stevedores, terminal operators, pilot and tug services, vessel-traffic control operators, and state, local, and federal government agencies.

PortSource, due to be launched later this year, will help port users improve operating efficiencies. It also will provide advanced forecasting and planning tools to meet the demands of double-digit growth at the LA/LB port complex, say Marine Exchange officials.

The trade association also plans to include weather and hydrographic conditions, multimodal traffic information, links to related parties, and interactive connectivity among participants. Eventually, the service will also include global ship tracking and other vessel-operation capabilities.

For more information, visit www.marexlalb.org .