ShipServ.com is the new provider of end-to-end web-based procurement applications supporting both ship managers and suppliers in the maritime industry. After several months of testing and running real transactions with select beta customers, ShipServ opened for business on July 24, signing up ship managers and suppliers for its services. The system requires no expensive hardware or software. All that is needed to take advantage of ShipServ is a computer and Internet access.

Based in San Francisco, ShipServ has offices in Oslo, Piraeus, Rotterdam, Washington, Copenhagen and a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week Customer Service Center in Wilmington, N.C., to assist in any transaction. ShipServ will soon open offices in Singapore and London.

ShipServ's management team has more than 150 years of maritime experience at sea and ashore, as well as information technology experts with state-of-the-art Silicon Valley know-how and experience.This combination has produced a powerful e-business tool that helps ship managers and suppliers do business.

While it doesn't replace the maritime procurement process, ShipServ does streamline it. Ship managers have more suppliers to choose from, while suppliers have access to more buyers and markets. ShipServ is neutral and independent. It is not a buyers' co-op or a consortium. ShipServ is not owned or controlled by suppliers or ship owners, but it is well connected to both.