Hong Kong’s first container terminal operator Modern Terminals Limited announced today (Tuesday, 9 February 2010) the deployment of Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) technology in all its Terminals 1, 2, 5 and 9(S) to allow customers’ vessels berthing alongside to enjoy Internet connection free of charge. Modern Terminals is also the first terminal operator in the territory to provide free WiFi service to customer shipping lines, who will be benefitted with real-time information exchange for vessel operation as well as savings in time.

Modern Terminals understands shipping lines’ increasing need for an efficient and cost-effective communication solution to operate the vessels when berthing at the terminals. It is the company’s commitment to deliver an outstanding, world-class customer experience that is second to none. Modern Terminals conducted a pilot project on Wi-Fi technology and concluded with very positive feedbacks. That resulted in full-scale roll out of the system to cover all yard areas and provide Internet connectivity for vessels alongside, free of charge.

Mr. Benjamin Lai, General Manager, Hong Kong, of Modern Terminals commented: “We are excited about providing free WiFi service to customers. The WiFi service helps save cost for our customers on maintaining close communication between the liner companies, their crew at our terminals and our own staff, as compared to traditional mode of communication via satellite or by hand. Real-time updating of stowage plans is also conveniently feasible by simply transmitting the data directly to servers at shipping companies via WiFi service provided by Modern Terminals.”

Altai Technologies is appointed as the vendor providing the WiFi technology. Ms. Catherine Leung, Vice President of Sales & Business Development of Altai Technologies said: “We are delighted to be the selected vendor to provide our Super WiFi Solutions for Modern Terminals. With in-depth experience in the port application, we are able to overcome the challenging wireless network deployment environment in a container port due to the complexity and high level of signal interference environment. We are also glad to have developed an advanced large coverage wireless network in support of high throughput level, as well as wireless connectivity regardless of the mobility of terminal equipment at yard and the different locations of berths where the vessels call.”

(From left) Mr. Benjamin Lai, General Manager, Hong Kong, of Modern Terminals Limited pictures with Ms. Catherine Leung, Vice President of Sales & Business Development of Altai Technologies, at the WiFi technology deployment contract signing ceremony

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