Polarcus, the Dubai-based marine geophysical seismic operator, has renewed its contract with Marlink’s Dubai office for a further three years extending their contract to a total of eight vessels. The company has selected Marlink’s Sealink customised VSAT services to provide connectivity aboard two new X-bow Ulstein Verft designed vessels. Launched earlier in the year, Amani and Adira are reportedly installed with Marlink’s customised satellite service providing Polarcus with the ability to operate their seismic fleet, the company claims, in the harshest and most extreme conditions.
The new build vessel contract and extension of services for ships already using Sealink was handled by Marlink’s Dubai office, now a fully integrated Astrium Services company, a wholly owned subsidiary of EADS. 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.
To meet the demanding data needs of Amani and Adira, Marlink will deliver the 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 satellite and features Iridium Pilot as back-up, to ensure continuous, global connectivity regardless of location.
“We have worked closely with Marlink Dubai 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. Sealink allows us to manage exactly how the connectivity is used, which supports our seismic operations and IT organisation.”
“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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