PLAN FOR DECEMBER ISSUE * computer software for ship agents * e-commerce and technology in ship design * Engine monitoring systems for vessels * Knowledge management in the maritime industry * The latest in e-procurement * Data communications onboard * Simulators and onboard training * Automating navigation: AIS and VDR * Futures trading for shipping * Technology in container shipping COMING UP IN OUR DECEMBER ISSUE OF DIGITAL SHIP YANAS SECTION * Computer software for ship agents COMPANIES: Inchcape Shipping, Seaforce, Barwil There are some interesting software systems under development from ship agents, to help them communicate with principals, manage billing and organise their affairs. We look at some of the most interesting products out there * E-commerce in ship design COMPANIES: Tribon, IBM, BV, LR, ABS, DNV, Shipyardxchange, Autoship There are some very interesting developments in ship design software going on, to improving the way ships are designed and how parts are sourced and purchased, as well as using the ship design system using the lifecycle of the ship. We take a deeper look. * Latest in e-procurmenet COMPANIES: MarineProvider, ShipServ, e4marine, SeaSupplier, Fuji Trading Following last month's round of consolidations, ship supplies e-commerce is racing ahead. We look at where the main players are now and what they are doing. * Data communications with ships COMPANIES: ChartCo, Xantic, LESOs, most people. Also chart companies [special supplement] Special supplement: as sending data between ship and shore becomes easier and cheaper, what are the best ways we can make use of this link and what are the most exciting projects? What can it do to improve navigation systems? Digital Ship makes a preliminary investigation * Todday Publications A review of Todday Publications and its special services for the maritime industry, providing information to seafarers onboard vessels * Pole Star Space Applications A unique company with a unique offering, Pole Star spends most of its time persuading people why they should track systems rather than explaining the particular benefits of their own systems. We explain the developments of the company and why every ship might one day have Purplefinder * Integration in maritime operations Our special report on the Digital Ship integration in maritime operations conference, Nov 29. Companies: software, communications, messaging, e-procurement KARLS SECTION * Monitoring systems onboard shisp COMPANIES: MANB&W, Wartsila, Saab Tankmarine, nView Knowing how well engines and other systems are functioning, onboard the ship and also from shore, is an important development currently taking place in the shipping industry. We find out what are the most interesting systems, who is developing them, and if there are any applications taking this information to shore. * Knowledge management systems for shipping COMPANIES MarineTalk, Resurgence Software, Ulysses Systems Knowledge management is one of the most interesting issues in shipping, as companies try to pool all the knowledge their employees have into a system which people can use in present and future, as well as possibily sharing it with other companies. We look at some of the most interesting systems. * Simulators and training tools Seagull, Kongsberg, Transas, VDR Our second report about the most interesting use of computer based training for seafarers in the maritime industry. * AIS and VDR COMPANIES Tideland Signal, Leica, McMurdo Marine, Litton Marine, Kelvin Hughes, Broadgate, AVECS, Transas, Consilium, all chart companies As the clock ticks down to the regulatory requirements for Automatic Identification Systems and Voyage Data Recorders, we talk to the main players to ask them what is happening and what shipping people think of it all OTHER CORRESPONDENTS SECTION * Futures trading for shipping COMPANIES Imarex, AXS Marine, Baltic Exchange.com, Bimco, LevelSeas Trading shipping futures is expected to become a bigger market than trading shipping itself, like it is in other commodity trading markets. We have a look at some of the systems and talk to the players and, most importantly, explain what shipping futures actually are. Divay Goel reports * Report on Intermodal conference There are plenty of interesting developments going on in the container industry with regards to e-commerce. Our special correspondent Tim Power reports. COMPANIES COVERED INTTRA, GT Nexus, Sabroe Reefer Cool, all container companies * Surveillance and security Our special correspondent Barry Parker continues his series about how the maritime industry can use technology to increase security. COMPANIES COVERED Lockheed Martin, Denbridge Digital, Norcontrol IT, Transas