BY TONY IROGA
Solomon Islands Marine and Transport Association (SIMTA) welcomes the launch of the Solomon Islands Ports Authority’s (SIPA) new Shipping Schedule Hub (SSH) mobile application, describing it as a major milestone that will improve efficiency across the country’s maritime transport sector.
Speaking during the official launch at SIPA’s conference room in Honiara yesterday, SIMTA President, Oscar Vahimana said the new application is a tool that belongs to the shipping industry and will greatly benefit both operators and passengers.
“SIMTA represents all shipping operators and ship owners throughout Solomon Islands. It is not a new organisation—it was established years ago by our country’s leaders to serve the shipping industry,” he said.
He said SIMTA fully supports the initiative, adding that the association itself will be one of the main beneficiaries of the new digital platform.
“This application belong to us, and we are among the first beneficiaries. The advantages have already been explained, but what is important is that this is the software application we need for both shipping operators and passengers,” he said.
He said that improving efficiency remains the association’s top priority, noting that the new application will reduce many of the challenges previously faced by operators and travellers.
“Efficiency is very important. This application will help improve planning and make shipping services more effective,” he said.
He calls on all shipping operators, captains, engineers, crew members and other maritime stakeholders to fully utilise the application once it becomes operational.
“I call upon all shipping owners and seafarers to make use of this application when they go live. They will improve location planning, as well as arrival and departure scheduling,” he said.
He also encourages the developers to consider expanding the system in the future by introducing a nationwide vessel tracking system capable of monitoring ships across Solomon Islands.
“It would be even better if, in the future, we could have a standalone tracking system for every ship operating throughout the country. That would greatly benefit the shipping industry and the travelling public,” he said.
He thanks the SIPA Board of Directors, management and staff for their leadership in introducing the digital platform.
“On behalf of SIMTA, I thank the SIPA Board, the Chairman, the CEO and your management team for making this possible. Congratulations on achieving this important milestone,” he said.
He urges all stakeholders within the marine industry to work closely with SIPA to ensure the successful implementation of the new Shipping Schedule Hub application.
“I encourage shipping operators, seafarers and all stakeholders in the marine industry to work together with SIPA as the country’s leading ports authority to ensure this initiative succeeds,” he said.
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