Shanghai Customs has embraced augmented reality glasses to expedite passenger clearance, contributing to a surge in cruise tourism during the first seven months.

The port processed 381 cruise ships and 1.19 million inbound and outbound passengers, representing increases of 62.8 percent and 56 percent, respectively, compared to the same period last year.

Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal saw a passenger surge during the summer peak season, with 171,000 passengers recorded in July, representing a nearly 40 percent year-on-year rise.

The cruise ship Mediterranean Glory docked at the terminal on July 31. Under the supervision of Baoshan Customs, 5,248 passengers disembarked smoothly, while 5,370 new passengers boarded for their journey.

Baoshan Customs adopted a comprehensive cruise smart supervision framework called "one smart hub, two smart terminals and four core scenarios", leveraging AI, AR, and 5G technologies.

AR glasses and other high-tech equipment are deployed in areas such as ship boarding, passenger customs clearance, cargo inspection, and duty-free goods supervision.

"We have further optimized and upgraded hardware functions such as temperature screening gates, sampling systems, and baggage inspection, fully leveraging big data synergy and activating all smart channels to create a seamless and unobtrusive clearance environment for cruise passengers," said Gu Liqian, head of the Passenger Inspection Section of Baoshan Customs.

Customs authorities have also supervised 10,100 metric tons of ship supplies, including fresh food, retail goods, and medicines, marking a 42.5 percent increase compared with last year.

Source: Shanghai Observer