CapRock Communications, a global provider of satellite communications, today announced a three-year contract with Gulf Offshore – a wholly owned subsidiary of GulfMark Offshore Inc. – to deploy its broadband maritime service, SeaAccess Communications™, onboard its fleet operating in the North Sea and along the coast of Africa. SeaAccess’ VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) services will enable GulfMark to extend its corporate IT network and applications to its vessels and provide onboard crew morale services.
The GulfMark Group operates significant fleets in the North Sea, Southeast Asia and the Americas. Having evolved into a global marine transportation provider focused on the continuous development of its technologically advanced fleet, Gulf Offshore’s deployment of the always-on VSAT service is a natural extension of its mission.
“As we continue to grow our fleet and enter into new energy-producing regions, we need a communication service provider that can scale with our operations and provide support wherever we may go,” said Gulf Offshore General Manager Jim Bradford. “CapRock’s SeaAccess service grows with our vessels’ increasing bandwidth demands and supports our expanding fleet. Regardless of where our vessels are located, CapRock can provide local installation, connectivity and support.”
Under terms of the agreement, CapRock will provide the Platform Supply Vessels (PSVs) and general support vessels with a managed turnkey service enabling voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), Internet access, e-mail service and corporate networking capabilities. These services will allow the real-time exchange of critical reports and monitoring of data. Gulf Offshore also will leverage the service for crew morale needs, providing Internet access and crew-calling solutions, with competitive phone tariffs, to their onboard crew. A combination of Ku and C-band services will be deployed based on whether the vessel will be operating in the same region or traversing between different regions.
“Choosing an experienced provider that has a worldwide presence was critical for Gulf,” continued Bradford. “With CapRock’s 24/7 help desk and regional support centers located around the globe, we feel confident that quick response and support is always available.”
“Since launching SeaAccess in 2007, we have partnered with a host of companies in the marine supply and oil and gas transportation sector,” said CapRock President, Maritime Division, Pal Jensen. “Our customers have unique communication requirements but all share the common need for reliable, global services to some of the most remote waters in the world. We look forward to furthering our relationship with the wider GulfMark Group and providing dependable services that CapRock has built its reputation on.”