A Digital Ship conference Integrating Computer Systems in Maritime Operations is scheduled for 29th November 2001 in London. This event will address the latest developments and other issues of special interest to those who use or develop maritime management systems or ship-shore communications. The plummeting cost of data transfer between ship and shore, along with associated improvements in technology, promises to dramatically change business operations within the maritime industry.

Gaining Internet access onboard and connecting vessels to company management systems all becomes reality. It will improve the way companies are run, enabling more effective management from onboard the ships. The role of knowledge and task management onboard vessels and how technology can be used to manage and monitor ship operations will be discussed with emphasis on:

• Connecting vessels to the shipping company intranet
• The role of the communications link
• Purchasing and managing supplies from onboard
• Getting Internet access onboard vessels
• Management software and task assistants