Marlink, provider of business-critical ICT solutions, has announced two significant upgrades for its long-term customer, Shelf Drilling.
The enhancements aim to improve offshore connectivity and operational efficiency across Shelf Drilling’s fleet of 36 jack-up rigs.
The first upgrade involves the implementation of a software-defined network management (SD-WAN) solution across Shelf Drilling’s entire fleet.
This technology will optimise and manage network traffic, ensuring high throughput and low latency for improved digitalisation efforts and seamless offshore connectivity.
The second upgrade includes the installation of Starlink, a high-bandwidth, low-latency solution, on selected rigs operating in the Mediterranean and the North Sea.
This addition of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) services will enhance crew welfare and improve communications where regional regulations permit.
Bryan Teo, IT Director at Shelf Drilling, emphasised the importance of these upgrades: “Marlink’s upgraded technology enhances communication between our offshore and onshore teams, boosting crew welfare and operational efficiency. Our global operations rely on stable, predictable connectivity, and this collaboration empowers us with advanced solutions, ensuring seamless interaction and robust networks.”
The Starlink solution will serve as a secondary communications channel, supporting client usage onboard and further improving welfare services for the crew.
These upgrades build upon a long-standing collaboration between Marlink and Shelf Drilling, which began in 2014 when ITC Global (now a Marlink company) was awarded the first contract for communications services.
Alexandre de Luca, President of Energy, Enterprise & Government at Marlink, stated: “Marlink is dedicated to creating and delivering the best possible communications for Shelf Drilling through an optimised and secure solution. Our hybrid solutions provide the certainty and predictability that drilling operators need to meet the needs of their operational teams, clients and crew.”
The new contract extends the relationship between Marlink and Shelf Drilling by another three years, following successful renewals in 2018 and 2021.
This continued partnership underscores the commitment of both companies to advancing offshore communications technology and improving operational efficiency in the drilling industry.