Singapore’s seaport to be world’s first Wi-Max-ready by 2008

By early 2008, all ships in Singapore can have access to mobile wireless broadband with WISEPORT (WIreless-broadband -access for SEaPORT), allowing real-time and data intensive communications between the ships and their customers and business partners.

Part of an initial project under the Infocomm@SeaPort programme, WISEPORT aims to provide a low-cost, high bandwidth secure access mobile wireless broadband network within 15km from Singapore's southern coastline.

The Infocomm@SeaPort programme is a collaboration between the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPS) and the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA). The two agencies have jointly set aside S$12 million for the programme.

Other projects in the pipeline include conducting trials in the use of infocomm to enhance and optimise the car transhipment planning and operations, and automating some of the current labour-intensive process in the bunker supply chain, the companies said.

Commenting on this milestone, Chan Yeng Kit, chief executive officer, IDA said, "The Infocomm@SeaPort programme is an integral part of IDA's iN2015 masterplan to enhance the economic competitiveness of Singapore through the use of infocomm. Infocomm can significantly enhance the capabilities and efficiencies of our ports, and entrench our reputation as a global transhipment hub. The improved port community infrastructure will further strengthen our position as a global Supply Chain Nerve Centre."