Title: Semi-automatic e-chartering through multi-agent systems and satellite IP networks

Authors: Manolis Sardis, Demosthenes Vouyioukas, Ioannis Anagnostopoulos

Addresses: School of Electrical and Computer Engineer, National Technical University of Athens, Athens, GR 15773, Greece. ' Department of Information and Communication Systems Engineering, University of the Aegean, Karlovassi, Samos, GR 83200, Greece. ' Department of Information and Communication Systems Engineering, University of the Aegean, Karlovassi, Samos, GR 83200, Greece

Abstract: This paper proposes a semi-automatic e-chartering in maritime markets though distributed multi-agent infrastructure over satellite IP networks. Using a distributed Multi-Agent system for Internet Virtual Chartering Markets (MAVCM) in each maritime port and the satellite information from participating vessels, we propose a mechanism for semi-automatic control and creation of e-chartering contracts services. The MAVCM system applies for business-to-business transactions in maritime markets, and provides mechanisms for Internet-based chartering informational and transactional services. The proposed system is based on Shipowners and shippers maritime contracts through the MAVCM infrastructure, services and satellite monitoring of the vessels.

Keywords: maritime e-chartering; multi-agent systems; distributed MAS; agent-based systems; satellite IP networks; internet protocol; maritime markets; electronic chartering; virtual chartering markets; maritime ports; contract services; vessel communications; business-to-business; online chartering; B2B transactions; maritime contracts; vessel monitoring.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIPT.2009.028658

International Journal of Internet Protocol Technology, 2009 Vol.4 No.3, pp.193 - 206

Published online: 22 Sep 2009 *

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