The Maritime and Port Bureau (MPB) launched its new database, iMarine, today (October 23) and held an online public meeting to promote its use, with the aim of increasing its utilization effectively.
iMarine is a revamped version of the original Maritime and Port Development Database. During a trial launch from September 20 to October 19, the database received positive reviews across various sectors and was visited 3.3 times more (7,428 visits) than the old database (2,213 visits). Valuable feedback from these sectors has also facilitated the rolling review and improvement of the database. iMarine provides information on global maritime transport indices, relevant statistics of Taiwan, maritime regulations, news on international organizations, and various maritime transport events in real time. In addition, the database provides users with intuitive statistical tools. The four major features of iMarine are that it provides real-time maritime trends, visualizes maritime and port data, automatically integrates information from various sources, and facilitates information search across the database.
The Director General of the MPB, Hsieh-lung Yeh, stated that the original Maritime and Port Development Database was launched in 2017 to provide a repertory of maritime and port information. The revamp issued this year (2023) provides a brand new experience to users and enables access to maritime data, which in turn increases the application value of the database. The development of iMarine involved interviews with different experts, data collection, and system establishment over a course of 9 months. Moreover, maritime and port data have been compiled and visualized from the user perspective. The database offers macroperspective information of domestic and overseas maritime transport in real time and informs decision-makers or relevant bodies of the latest maritime and port trends. Accordingly, iMarine is expected to become the most comprehensive maritime transport database in Taiwan.
Director General Yeh further noted that the letter “i” in the new database name carries the meanings of intelligent and information and resembles the pronunciation of Chinese character for “love.” Therefore, he wished that all users would love this new one-stop information service.
In this meeting, the consultant for iMarine, Professor Chin-Shan Lu was invited to demonstrate the database’s application features. The MPB will continue refining the features of iMarine through efforts such as optimizing real-time reports, incorporating more data sources, enhancing the artificial intelligence–based analysis of behavioral patterns, and providing customized membership services. For more information on iMarine, please visit the new website at https://imarine.motcmpb.gov.tw/. All users are welcome to enjoy the new experience brought about by data integration technology.
(The old Maritime and Port Development Database will cease its operation and updating starting from Monday, November 6, 2023.)
Contact: Section Chief, Chih-pei Chen, Planning Division
Contact number: 02-89782842