
The client
Shetland Islands Council
Shetland Islands Council operates an inter-island ferry service that is crucial for the connectivity of the Shetland Islands. With a fleet of 12 ferries, they connect mainland Shetland to eight outlying islands via 15 terminals, providing a vital link for over 3,000 travellers. These ferries, which include roll on/roll off services, cater to both foot passengers and vehicles.


The project
The project involved integrating PDMS’ software with the G8 payments application to provide a seamless and reliable payment experience. The system was designed to operate on board the vessels, allowing for onboard mobile payments via Chip and PIN and contactless methods using the Ingenico iSMP mobile card reader. Key features of the solution included offline PIN verification, deferred authorisation, forced acceptance, and transaction batch processing. Additionally, card data encryption was implemented to enhance security and mitigate the risk of card details being compromised.

The results
The integration of PDMS’ software with the G8 payments application has significantly improved the payment processing experience for Shetland Islands Council. Travellers now enjoy a reliable service when purchasing tickets and using onboard facilities, regardless of internet connectivity. The solution supports secure and convenient payment methods, ensuring that customers can continue to buy tickets and make purchases even during network outages. This enhancement has notably improved customer satisfaction by providing a consistent and secure payment experience on Shetland’s inter-island ferries.
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