Ashtead Technology is to provide fast and reliable broadband communications between offshore oil rigs and vessels and onshore facilities following a worldwide agreement with a remote-communications technology supplier.
The deal will see Ashtead Technology supply seamless video streaming and data transmissions for large-scale, wireless dynamic mesh networks from its offices across the globe from its agreement with Belgium-based nCentric.
nCentric technology was a key tool in the clean-up operation following the Deep Water Horizon disaster in 2010.
By using nCentric’s communication node on board eight vessels, crews were able to stream more than 10 live ROV video images to the offshore command centre as well as between one another and create a reliable communication link.
The nCentric technology can be used to monitor offshore operations, increase communication and can relay high definition footage from remotely operated vehicles in real-time. The system can be configured remotely and can be monitored from an onshore location, reducing the number of people required offshore and limiting downtime.
Tim Sheehan, commercial director at Ashtead Technology said: “Capturing data from remote locations is still a major challenge for the industry.
“Today, most communications from oil and gas platforms and vessels to shore depend on expensive satellite links. The nCentric technology delivers a cost effective, efficient and reliable wireless network in large, hard-to-reach geographical areas.”
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