Ten days ago the maritime software development company SDSD launched V-Chartering – a new cloud chartering platform for wet and dry brokers to manage the entire chartering process – from vessel/cargo matching through to full negotiations and fixtures. The platform can be accessed via smartphones, tablets and desktop.
V-Chartering is the latest addition to the company’s broker productivity platform ‘The V-Platform’ which includes an SnP module launched last year.
Tony Odegbaro, CEO of the company, tells Maritime CEO: “The platform’s cloud capability means users can reduce operating cost by doing away with hardware and database licences and simply subscribe to our platform on a needs basis and enjoy easy access from any device and from any location.”
SDSD has been involved in maritime software development and technology services since 1983.
“Unlike other industries,” Odegbaro says, “shipping has traditionally embraced software successfully on a needs basis.” However, he feels this is changing to a more proactive use due to market conditions and a growing appreciation of the productivity gains and the easier access on offer.
“We see opportunities to assist users in our sectors of the industry to improve productivity and margins and to reduce costs by making access to latest software technology easier, tailored and flexible,” Odegbaro concludes.
The only way this (or any other of the many chartering websites that have started – or are currently active) is going to work is if EVERY owner and charterer worldwide subscribes. Otherwise, how does an owner know that he is covering the market (or a charterer know that he has seen all available ships for his cargo)? On a recent trip to Shanghai, a broker told me there are over 300 charterers in the supramax sector in the Far East alone. What owner is going to trust a website to tell him all the potential available cargoes, if it only has a limited number of subscribers?