Marlink Customized VSAT Solution for Seismic Survey Vessels

Fairfield Geotechnologies, a Houston-based life-of-field technology, data and solutions provider has selected Marlink to provide a highly customized VSAT solution for two Ocean Bottom Node (OBN) seismic survey vessels operating on behalf of oil & gas industry clients globally.

Marlink and Fairfield Geotechnologies have worked closely together on a sophisticated solution that will power new efficiencies through digital operations, with survey data transfer enabled by guaranteed bandwidth, extreme resilience and unmatched global coverage. With Marlink providing class leading Committed and Maximum Information Rates, Fairfield Geotechnologies’ unique OBN survey data can be shared with distributed experts and stakeholders quickly and easily, giving its clients a dynamic platform for decision making in both the short and long-term.

Marlink has also made wireless internet available in cabins and communal areas part of the service, so workers can browse the web or keep in touch with friends and family on social media platforms using their own mobile device, when off shift. Enabled by Marlink’s XChange centralized communications management system, Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) is an easy to deploy and manage service that can significantly boost crew morale, which is especially important on extended offshore campaigns.

With its own operations, crew welfare and client capabilities to consider, reliability was a key requirement for Fairfield Geotechnologies during its selection process. The Marlink team proposed a dual VSAT antenna solution including L-band back-up to ensure the best availability of broadband connectivity, also with redundant Below Deck Equipment, including router, switch and modem. The result is higher quality and availability of service regardless of conditions, as well as streamlined trouble-shooting and support.

“A customized delivery is almost a pre-requisite for networks of this complexity”, said Tore Morten Olsen, President Maritime, Marlink. “By working closely with Fairfield Geotechnologies, we have developed and implemented a VSAT solution that delivers on their strict quality and availability requirements, ensuring 24/7 access to fast, seamless connectivity for all users on board.”