Delaware area maritime exchange takes system to Internet

Delaware area maritime exchange takes system to Internet    The Maritime Exchange for the Delaware River and Bay has finished the conversion of its community-based port system to a new Internet-based platform.
   The new system platform, Maritime On-Line, includes a collection of applications to help maritime and law enforcement personnel with the day-to-day operations of vessels, cargo and crew processing through U.S. seaports.
   Maritime On-Line will allow the exchange to provide a detailed hazardous material reporting system, and facilitate electronic reporting by the community to various law enforcement agencies. The system’s TRACS module is used by commercial cargo carriers for reporting import cargo manifests to the U.S. Bureau of Customs and Border Protection’s Automated Manifest System.
   TRACS was rolled out in time for the upcoming implementation of new U.S. Customs rules mandating the filing of outbound cargo manifests by vessel operators 24 hours prior to loading in a U.S. port.
   “We’ve seen a dramatic increase in the demand for service from shippers across the country,” said exchange vice president Lisa Himber. “The CBP ruling is certainly not going to be the last federal automation initiative the maritime community will need to meet future ones in a cost effective and timely manner.”
   The exchange received financial support for the initiative from the Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority and the New Jersey Department of Transportation, with matching funds from the private sector that uses the system, for the development of the vessel and hazardous material reporting portion of Maritime On-Line. TRACS continues to be sponsored by the Delaware River Port Authority.
   The exchange, founded in 1872, is a non-profit trade association representing about 300 port and related businesses throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware.