SINGAPORE (WiMAX Day). Every day, more than 500 ships pass through the port of Singapore. Experts say that it is by far the most efficient port in the world, handling an average of 43 million tonnes of cargo per month, from an average of 2.4 million containers. This efficiency is the result of the clever use of machinery and ICTs, eliminating the presence of most humans at the port.

Ships that enter the port now have a new method of connecting to this marvel of engineering. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), announced today the launch of its WISEPORT network which provides Mobile WiMAX connectivity throughout the port, and up to ten miles (15 km) at sea from the southern coast of Singapore.

The project was initiated last year with the Infocomm Development Authority (IDA) and QMax Communications Pte Ltd (QMax) as part of a USD 12 million initiative to increase the efficiency of information and communications technologies in Singapore.

Commercial and leisure use
The immediate benefit of the project, is that “activities that had to be done onshore, such as regulatory filings, electronic data exchanges and access to Internet-based applications, can now be replicated offshore,” says Ms Lena HAN of the IDA. Most offshore communications to the port are now done through satellite, which can be costly at USD 0.66 per minute.

Ships at sea can also “download data-intensive information, such as electronic navigational charts (ENC), rather than physically delivering the data as in the past or using satellite communication,” said an MPA press release. The network also will support a video surveillance system for the port, which can be used by vessels as well.

In addition, the “welfare for the crew may be improved because they can now enjoy easy and low-cost access to VoIP services, video conferencing and Internet access within Singapore waters.”

A wireless port also has significant benefits onshore. Shipyards and marine engineering companies, shipping lines, terminal operators, technology companies and government agencies are all expected to benefit from the network. Already, companies and organisations such as Shell, APL, Global Marine Transportation and Tropical Marine Science Institute (TMSI) have expressed interest in connectivity.

According to BG(NS) Tay Lim Heng, Chief Executive of the MPA, “WISEPORT will greatly enhance communications and operational efficiencies, as well as facilitate the development of new businesses.”

Such new services could provide Internet access to “passengers on cruise ships, regional ferries and passenger boats… In addition, consumers within the coverage of WISEPORT, such as those working, living and enjoying the sea-front can also subscribe to the services.”

Network expansion
The network is run through a 2.3 GHz frequency owned by QMax, the local WiMAX operator in Singapore. QMax was awarded a license for this spectrum in May 2005. The company reports that there were already 250 subscribers to the network before its official launch this week, and it had “set an initial target of 500 maritime subscribers for the pilot year of the WISEPORT programme and to date we have already achieved half of our original target prior to the launch of this initiative,” said Alex Tan, Director of QMax.

QMax offers a standard package of unlimited data usage at 512 Kbps, and offers subscribers a USB WiMAX modem. Other packages are offered with data rates up to 8 Mbps.

Thus far, three base stations have been deployed along the coast, with the main base station on top of the Fuji Xerox Towers. An additional three base stations will be set-up in the eastern and western parts of Singapore in the next 3-6 months.

When completed, the mobile WiMAX network will cover the southern port waters of Singapore, as well as the container terminals, oil terminals and shipyards at four maritime hotspots: Tuas, Jurong, Pasir Panjang and Tanjong Pagar. Expansion of the network is planned in the future, according to demand.