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Case Study: Dolphin Extends Office Network Connectivity to Offshore Drilling Vessels Fleet
“The expanded global Dolphin network supported by fully managed services and leased equipment from SIS has helped us remotely optimize drilling equipment and production onboard our fleet of floating vessels, regardless of their location or the conditions at sea.”
Sveinung Lapin
IT Manager
Dolphin
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SIS managed services and global communications network enable collaboration, remote monitoring, and drilling assistance anytime, anywhere
Challenge
Remotely support difficult offshore drilling operations on floating vessels; securely link fleet to onshore office networks; ensure continuous voice and data communications—even in harsh, dynamic seas.
Solution
Provided infrastructure equipment and end-to-end managed services:
- global Dolphin network with Internet and VPN access
- remote, real-time monitoring of all onboard systems
- stabilized satellite antennas
- First Mile Wireless infrastructure with wireless phone system, LAN, and VLANs
- crew welfare considerations.
Results
Reduced downtime with Web-based remote drilling assistance; improved rig-office collaboration through advanced network services (e.g., videoconferencing); streamlined IT duties with SIS service delivery; enhanced general crew well-being with home-like amenities.
Replicate onshore connectivity
Dolphin wanted to replicate the connectivity it had in its onshore offices on its fleet of offshore drilling vessels. This would mean providing and sustaining a full array of telecommunications capabilities in the often hostile environments where the company’s rigs and floating service and accommodation vessels (flotels) operate. Remote, real-time monitoring of all onboard systems—engine, drilling, handling equipment—was a major requirement to enable timely assistance with fast problem solving from anywhere in the world. The objective was to optimize drilling performance and minimize equipment downtime by enabling quick resolution of issues from onshore operation centers without having to deploy system specialists for every incident.
A growing challenge was the frequent turnover of operators and service contractors. This necessitated a flexible solution to leverage intelligent infrastructure technology (also known as managed services) for the global transmission of voice and data between rig and office locations—not only for Dolphin crew members, but also for operators and contractors conducting business on the rig. A secure connection to each party’s network via multiple wireless carriers would have required a system of very complex cabling, switches, and routers.
Install global network infrastructure with managed services
SIS was the single IP-based integrator able to provide everything from (leased) high-tech communications infrastructure equipment to true end-to-end managed services. This allowed Dolphin to perform real-time, remote monitoring of the systems on its floating rigs while ensuring high-quality connectivity around the clock for all parties involved.
Connectivity with an internal office feel
A basic network consisting of both wired and wireless equipment was installed, which could scale up and extend out with the growth of the company’s fleet. Initially, nine vessels and seven offices were linked via one secure network that supported vessel operations with continuous connectivity and offered a collaborative means of problem solving with videoconferencing as an integral tool. This created more of an internal office atmosphere for the crew and helped to keep drilling operations running smoothly.
First Mile Wireless for Drilling—connectivity right up to the crane
In addition to each vessel having wireless LAN and VSAT technology, the various operator and contractor networks were made accessible through VLANs with dedicated wireless channels and preset links, making secure communications to different corporate offices virtually seamless. Onboard wireless connectivity was extended to hard-to-reach places, ensuring the availability of data and voice services at the critical point of need. For example, the cranes are now wirelessly connected, providing the crane operators with data and voice capabilities similar to being in an office. A wireless phone system was also installed, including spark-free, fire-proof equipment, to enable communications on the drill floor without endangering the crew.
Onboard amenities for crew well-being and information access
Crew members and third-party operators and vendors were given additional onboard amenities like phones, Internet café, and television-over-IP, enabling them to stay connected to family and events back home during offshore duty typically lasting 2 to 4 weeks at a time. The ease of access to the Web also provided the ability to find critical drilling or other industry information when it was needed, as if from an onshore office.
IT service delivery left to experts
The sole responsibility for overall connectivity services, equipment management, and infrastructure maintenance was left in the hands of SIS experts. This arrangement was practical and cost-effective for Dolphin, as the company did not have to train, manage, or hire an IT staff. Rather, its employees could focus on the core business of improving drilling performance.
Transformed offshore communications and problem solving
The combined global network infrastructure and managed services solution has transformed the way that Dolphin does business offshore and onshore. Rig-office communications and collaboration have improved with the use of new digital connectivity technology that mimics internal office capabilities on floating vessels—even in increasingly remote deepwater environments. Real-time monitoring of the fleet’s onboard systems coupled with wireless conference calling all the way to the drilling crane have made problem solving more efficient and minimized drilling and equipment downtime. Thanks to assistance that can be provided from across the world via a single global network, location is not an obstacle. Experts now offer solutions from onshore operation centers or as they travel to other sites, with the convenience of Internet access and the benefits of secure voice and data transmission. All individuals aboard the vessels are experiencing the positive changes that come with having the comforts of home while working at sea.
Schlumberger Information Solutions
Schlumberger Information Solutions (SIS) is an operating unit of Schlumberger that provides software, information management, IT, and related services. SIS collaborates closely with oil and gas companies to solve today’s tough reservoir challenges with an open business approach and comprehensive solution deployment. Through our technologies and services, oil and gas companies empower their people to improve business performance by reducing exploration and development risk and optimizing operational efficiencies.
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