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Global satellite communications provider Marlink has recently signed a major new three year contract with Dubai-based maritime geophysical company, Polarcus DMCC. The new agreement includes delivery and installation of Marlink’s Sealink C-band VSAT services onboard four Polarcus innovative 3D seismic vessels being built at Dubai Drydocks World.
Once in service the Polarcus vessels will be the most technologically sophisticated marine seismic vessels on the market, providing advanced 3D towed marine seismic services worldwide to the oil and gas industry. One of Polarcus’ primary aims is to reduce its environmental footprint through a combination of reduction, recycling and carbon offsetting and it has secured substantial local UAE investment including Drydocks World.
Customised to meet the specific requirements of the new Polarcus vessels, the Sealink VSAT system includes dual C-Band antennas with automatic switchover, dedicated duplex bandwidth through a single channel per carrier satellite link. The bandwidth is 256 kbps burstable up to 2 MB. The system also includes several LAN Networks onboard, 8 simultaneous voice lines and access to Marlink’s highly advanced prepaid platform.
“Sealink will provide us with the highest quality broadband connectivity and a service which we can rely on. This is in keeping with our latest new build project which incorporates innovative vessel design with the most technologically advanced seismic and navigation systems available, to ensure seismic exploration is expanded without harm to the surrounding environment,” said Peter Zickerman, executive vice president at Polarcus.
The vessel design incorporates many new and innovative features ranging from the distinctive ULSTEIN X-BOW hull to the Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system, designed to maximize operational performance and minimise emissions. The sophisticated double hull design also incorporates a range of advanced safety features including a DP 2 dynamic positioning system.
Marlink has found that one of the biggest priorities for the maritime industry is crew welfare and the retention of staff onboard through advanced ship to shore telecommunications. The company is often viewed as the industry’s one-stop-shop by assisting customers in their selection of the most effective satellite communications to meet their operational needs and budgets. Customer requirements are becoming more sophisticated all the time with demand for increased bandwidth, meeting new regulations or exploring new ways of working and advancing operational efficiency.
Regional director for Marlink in the Middle East, India and Africa, Gunnar Andre Valle said, “We see the oil and gas market in the Middle East, India, and Africa as an increasingly important emerging market, especially as activity in research and production within the region continues to grow. Despite the current global financial crisis, it appears so far that the Indian maritime sectors, both offshore oil field services as well as the shipping industry, remains optimistic about achieving continued growth. As new companies are established all the time and investment increased within the industry, more vessels from overseas are being transferred to corporate bases in region in order to explore the full potential of this market. We are seeing definite signs of the regional market becoming more open to taking advantage of new improved technology and are therefore delighted to be working with such a pioneering company as Polarcus.”
The initial fleet of four advanced seismic vessels will all be connected to the PSTN voice network and internet through an advanced satellite system provided by Marlink with branch office in Dubai. The vessels will have IMO Green Passport, be Arctic Ready, and have DNV Clean Design.
