China Merchants' Western Shenzhen terminals provide wi-fi for docked ships

CHINA Merchants Holding International (CMHI) has announced that it now provides wi-fi Internet service for berthed ships at its Western Shenzhen's Shekou and Chiwan container terminals, the first in China to do so, says the company.

"Nowadays, wi-fi (wireless fidelity) technology is widely used in office, public and even outdoors, while most vessels calling at terminals still need use of satellite communication for email access and related information exchanges, which is costly in huge satellite rental fees," said the CMHI statement.

"Recently, OOCL became the first user to experience such a value-added service, which is free of charge. OOCL vessels calling SCT now can enjoy easy connection to internet by terminal wi-fi network," said the company statement.

Compared with satellite communication, wi-fi service is more efficient and is no cost burden for a carrier. CMHI Western Shenzhen Port has been innovative in terminal IT service, endeavouring to bring win-win benefits for both customers and itself, especially in the financial crisis, said the company.

Source: http://www.schednet.com