Chennai: Indiaport.com is emerging as a port(al) of call for those looking for data - both information and trade-related news - on the shipping industry and allied businesses in India. Shipping trade is scattered along the east and west coasts of India linked to over 200 ports, though only a dozen of them are majors.It is also a buiness-to-business portal focussed on logistics and transportation industry. According to its CEO Ivan Saldhana, "we aim to evolve into an e-platform that facilitates a one-stop solution for logistics and transportation be it by sea, land or air." Indiaport has already established tie-up arrangements with the major ports like Mumbai, JNPT, New Mangalore, Tuticorin, Kochi and Kandla. It has collaboration agreements with some of the minor ports like, Dahej and Maroli under the jurisdiction of the Gujarat Maritime Board which is keen on furthering the parternship to all the 40 ports under it.
Indiaport.com has allied with other major shipping entities for various services and products. They include shipping companies, Container Corporation of India, Central Warehousing Corporation, the Director General of shipping, maritime education and training institutes. As for business information, the portal will provide details about sailing schedules, container tracking database on shipments from port of origin to port of delivery from database of participating carriers, freight forwarders, pertinent information on tenders, customs and excise notifications, careers in shipping industry. The soon-to be launched transactional counter will offer shippers, shipping lines and service providers a variety of services.
Shippers can post their requirements, shipping lines can quote for freight, they can reach multiple service providers with a single request. Facilities will be made available for e-chartering, on-line negotiation with carriers, operators and owners worldwide.
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