Cruise and Ferry Review - Summer/Spring 2020

2 4 8 AS I A: INTERV IEW Looking forward Lionel Wong tells Richard Humphreys why the Marina Bay Cruise Centre in Singapore is exploring new ways to improve the passenger experience at the terminal A t Marina Bay Cruise Centre, we are constantly looking into new and innovative ways to improve the passenger’s experience through our terminal,” says Lionel Wong, CEO of SATS- Creuers Cruise Services, the terminal operator for Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore (MBCCS). “Over the past year, we have embarked on our smart terminal project. This is a system that we have custom built from ground up, putting together a whole suite of today’s technology into a holistic cruise terminal management system.” The new smart terminal solution is being implemented with the help of NCS Communications Engineering. It will be the first of its kind in Asia and will comprise smart sensors, video analytics and big data solutions managed via a central command-and- control system. Sensors will be placed in the check-in terminals and baggage handling areas to monitor passenger traffic in real time. They will automatically notify the terminal management team when congestion arises, so issues can be resolved rapidly. “The system is our solution in meeting today’s operational challenges of the increasing number of passengers while still improving each passenger’s experience,” says Wong. “Also, it will enable us to meet, if not exceed, security requirements and ensure the safety and security of every passenger at our terminal.” It has been forecasted that there will be a significant increase in cruise traffic in the Southeast Asia region, which is expected to hit 4.5 million annual cruise passengers by 2035. “MBCCS has also recently launched its new mobile app as a companion app to the cruise terminal,” says Wong. “We aim to enhance the cruising experience in the terminal by providing features such as unlimited wi-fi access in the premises, cruise schedules, wayfinding information and booking options for our DriveCruise and CruiseFly services.” The app would also include features such as a guide to explore MBCCS’s online souvenir shop. “We are looking to roll out more products and services that helps us in delivering a unique experience for our cruise passengers,” says Wong. “The “We hope that cruising in Singapore and Southeast Asia will continue to grow and bring new and exciting ships and itineraries to the region” “