Polarcus has selected Marlink's Sealink customized VSAT services to provide high levels of connectivity aboard two advanced new X-bow design seismic vessels - Amani and Adira, which were delivered this summer by Ulstein Verft in Norway. The Dubai-based marine geophysical company with a pioneering environmental agenda has also signed to extend the use of Sealink VSAT services that have already been fully customized to provide connectivity aboard five existing Polarcus X-bow design seismic vessels for a further three years.
The new build vessel contract and extension of services for ships already using Sealink was handled by Marlink Dubai. The vessels themselves are highly specialised, with focus on environmentally friendly operations in Polar Regions, so stable and always available connectivity is vital, especially considering Polarcus' strong commitment to reduce the environmental impact of oil & gas operations. Being fully customised to meet any vessel and customer specific connectivity requirements, Sealink provides a reliable and scalable link for Polarcus' business critical operations and provides significant enhancements in operational efficiency.
To meet the demanding data needs of Amani and Adira, Marlink will deliver the same customized Sealink solution being used today aboard the five existing Polarcus vessels. The solution is based on dual C-band antennas with automatic switchover, dedicated full-duplex bandwidth through a Single Channel Per Carrier (SCPC) satellite link to increase power to each ship individually on low elevations in Polar areas. Also, including several LAN networks on board, eight simultaneous voice lines and access to Marlink's highly advanced prepaid solutions. It also enables GSM services over the satellite link and features Iridium Pilot as back-up, to ensure continuous, global connectivity regardless of location.
"We have worked closely with Marlink and they have shown great flexibility and support to ensure that the connectivity meets our needs," explains Magnus Oberg, Vice President Information Technology at Polarcus. "Although the primary use for our connectivity is operational, it's also vital that we provide crew with a way to communicate with friends and family, and engineers on board to work remotely with experts on land. The Sealink service allows us to manage exactly how the connectivity is used, which supports our seismic operations and IT organisation."
As an operator that takes its environmental responsibilities very seriously, Polarcus believes that fast, reliable connectivity is vital. The distinctive Ulstein X-Bow double hull vessels used by Polarcus incorporate some of the most advanced navigation systems available today and have highly skilled crew on board. Should any technical difficulties arise though, for example with the vessel engines, reliable remote diagnosis via IP applications on the Sealink connectivity helps to resolve any issues quickly, therefore avoiding impact on the environment.
"Whether cutting-edge seismic vessels like Polarcus', cruise and passenger ships, offshore platforms or maritime transport vessels, Sealink customised VSAT enables us to develop connectivity services to meet the exact customer requirements," comments Magne Remoy, Marlink's Director Middle East and Africa. "In the case of Polarcus vessels, the connectivity has been customized to support the company's specific operations and crew welfare, whilst strengthening Polarcus' ability to pioneer seismic exploration with responsibility and without harm to the global environment."
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For further information please contact:
Knut Natvig
Marlink
T: +47 48 030 911
E: knut.natvig@marlink.com
www.marlink.com
Sue Hean
Broadreach PR
T: +971 (0) 504200486
E: sue@broadreachpr.net
Marlink is an Astrium Services company, a world leading provider of satellite services. Providing access to the broadest range of product and service choices, Marlink can support virtually any requirement for maritime connectivity worldwide.
The company's unrivalled portfolio includes on-demand services such as Inmarsat, Iridium and Thuraya, as well as its own range of C-band and Ku-band VSAT solutions. Marlink routes communication through its own teleports to ensure high quality, reliability and flexibility for its customers. With offices worldwide, including Athens, Brussels, Dubai, Hamburg, Houston, London, Mumbai, Oslo, Washington DC, Singapore, Stavanger and Tokyo, Marlink is able to support its wide-ranging portfolio with installation and customer support that is offered on a global basis. www.marlink.com
Astrium is the number one company in Europe for space technologies and the third in the world. In 2011, Astrium had a turnover close to €5 billion and 18,000 employees worldwide, mainly in France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain and the Netherlands.
Astrium is the sole European company that covers the whole range of civil and defence space systems and services. Its three business units are: Astrium Space Transportation for launchers and orbital infrastructure; Astrium Satellites for spacecraft and ground segment; Astrium Services for comprehensive fixed and mobile end-to-end solutions covering secure and commercial satcoms and networks, high security and broadcast satellite communications equipment and systems, and bespoke geo-information services, worldwide.
Astrium is a wholly owned subsidiary of EADS, a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2011, the Group - comprising Airbus, Astrium, Cassidian and Eurocopter - generated revenues of € 49.1 billion and employed a workforce of over 133,000. www.astrium.eads.net
For further information, please contact:
Sue Hean
Broadreach PR
T: +971 (0) 504200486
E: sue@broadreachpr.net
© Press Release 2012
