Untethering Offshore Communications

The search for oil and gas knows no boundaries. Cutting-edge explorers, drillers and producers are finding energy in the world’s remotest extremities. And engineers and experts back at the office can join the high-tech hunt using satellite-based networks to analyze real-time data from the deepest depths of the ocean.

Virtual collaborations between seafaring crews and their land-based colleagues are accelerating better decisions and resource discoveries, increasing operational efficiencies, and keeping oil and gas companies ahead of the curve in a fiercely competitive market.

"The ubiquitous nature of satellite allows oil and gas innovators to dream big and to make their visions a reality with anywhere, anytime connectivity," explained Andrew Ruszkowski, vice president of enterprise services for SES WORLD SKIES.  The global satellite services provider is enabling some of the biggest names in the oil and gas industry to deliver the most advanced broadband, voice, data and video solutions today.

"From the Gulf of Mexico to the Indian Ocean Region and everywhere in between, our satellites are enabling a vast range of applications capable of boosting productivity, profits and employee morale - at a time when it matters most," Ruszkowski added.

Rapid Deployment

From discovery to delivery, oil and gas firms are on the move.  There's often little time to establish connectivity and implement communications networks.  When underwater pipelines require a quick checkup or long-term monitoring, satellite-delivered streaming video allows operators to keep an eye on the system - without traveling to each location.

When crew members are dispatched to distant rigs and vessels, satellite-based Internet access, voice-over-IP phone, fax and email services are keeping them connected to the team and mission-critical operations.  Keeping top, experienced talent happy is more important than ever in an aggressive market.  Premium television lineups, including HDTV, combined with access to high-speed broadband, social networking and quality phone service is enabling oil and gas innovators to keep their people happy and in touch with family, friends and the outside world.

Mobile connectivity is critical for crews constantly on the go.  And satellite is the backbone.  A digital cellular telephone network in the Gulf of Mexico, for example, provides seamless roaming for ships and work boats offshore.  The productivity and operational benefits are enormous and not possible without satellite. 

"Secure multi-point satellite networks can be initiated virtually overnight to deliver a wide range of traditional and exciting new services," noted Ruszkowski, whose SES WORLD SKIES enterprise team works closely with the leading system and network integrators serving the oil and gas industry.  "Quick deployment combined with seamless coverage over the remotest stretches of land and sea, make satellite the perfect match and often the only option for oil and gas communications," Ruszkowski explained.

Rapid Expansion Opportunities

Companies operating in the Gulf of Mexico can quickly extend their communications infrastructure via satellite to expand their business in other regions of the world.  SES WORLD SKIES operates a global fleet of 25 satellites, part of the 40 spacecraft managed by its parent company SES.

"We have the most experienced people stationed in the most places around the world to meet the short-term challenges and long-term goals of companies and agencies of every size serving every market imaginable," said Ruszkowski, whose Washington, D.C.-based enterprise group works with SES WORLD SKIES teams across the globe to develop and deliver seamless satellite connectivity. 

Oil and gas expertise goes deep at SES WORLD SKIES, with knowledgeable sales, engineering and support staff stationed in Princeton, The Hague, Singapore, Beijing, London, Sao Paulo, Mexico City, Sydney, Accra, Johannesburg and other offices throughout the world.

"That kind of experience on the ground coupled with our capacity in orbit offers a tailor-made solution for oil and gas firms who need communications whenever and wherever they go," explained Dave Sikorski, North America enterprise sales director for SES WORLD SKIES.  Sikorski follows the oil and gas industry closely and understands his clients' current and future strategies, allowing him to ensure his customers have the satellite capacity where they need it most.

"The sky's the limit for oil and gas leaders who tap the power of satellite to unleash the full potential of their businesses," Sikorski said, noting new satellite-delivered services are not only distancing the innovators from the pack, they're "shrinking the distances between offshore platforms and onshore control centers," Sikorski explained.

The Sky's the Limit

Offshore businesses are now layering new and exciting services on their satellite-delivered communications networks.  Remote cameras and data readings allow technicians to troubleshoot, security teams to patrol distant facilities and assets, and enable more expert eyes to view real-time exploration data from the field.  And they can do it all without leaving their office or their home - with secure satellite solutions.

It's not just facility, pipeline or platform checkups, satellite is delivering employee checkups and medical treatment as well.  Telemedicine puts doctors on ships and distant sites to provide both preventative and emergency care to crew members in the middle of the ocean and hundreds of miles from the nearest hospital.

"Healthcare is just one of a growing number of important services being delivered via satellite to oil and gas crews," said Ruszkowski.  "The proven and trusted satellite technology is allowing companies large and small to think out of the box and un-tether their offshore communications as far as their imaginations will take them."