Seaway launches e-business applications

The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC) and the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (SLSDC) have announced the launch of their E-Business Application Suite. The suite, designed after extensive consultation with the marine industry, provides a range of applications that the companies say 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. 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 the capability for a vessel’s owner / operator / authorized agent to view a 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.

Users may subscribe to the entire suite, or to individual applications.