A new webbased portal called SHIPSU that was launched in Finland in June aims to bring together buyers and sellers of materials that are used in shipbuilding and maintenance of ships.

“Unlike in the case of ordinary construction materials, those for in shipbuilding have to be internationally certified for this purpose,” SHIPSU said in a statement, adding that this often complicates the purchase process of materials.

The SHIPSU service offers “Provider Profile” for those that sell their products to the shipbuilding and maritime industries. Companies can offer information about their products and services and e.g. certification of them in text, image and video formats.

“Buyer Profile” targets shipyards, ship owners and e.g. ship managers who buy materials for shipbuilding and maintenance purposes. They will have access to the information provided by providers, with an aim to simplify buying processes and to save time.

Although SHIPSU is based in Finland, the company aims to target the global market –shore and afloat. It also works via satellite based Internet on board shops, the company said.