Marlink upgrades Shelf Drilling’s offshore network with SD-WAN and Starlink Solutions
Leading jack-up rig contractor will upgrade network across 36 rigs with SD-WAN solution and install high bandwidth, low latency Starlink solution
Oslo and Paris, 30.07.2024 – Marlink, the leading managed services provider of business-critical ICT solutions, has announced two major upgrades for long-term customer Shelf Drilling. The first upgrade involves implementing a software-defined network management (SD-WAN) solution across Shelf Drilling’s fleet of 36 jack-up rigs. The second upgrade includes installing the high bandwidth, low latency Starlink solution on selected rigs currently operating in the Mediterranean and the North Sea.
Over the past decade, Shelf Drilling has progressively enhanced its satellite network solutions. This latest initiative will see the addition of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) services, including Starlink, where regional regulations permit. The rigs selected for the Starlink upgrade will benefit from improved crew welfare and enhanced communications.
The SD-WAN solution provided by Marlink will be deployed across the entire Shelf Drilling fleet, optimizing and managing network traffic to ensure high throughput and low latency. This hybrid network will combine guaranteed bandwidth services with cutting-edge technology to bolster digitalization efforts and seamless offshore connectivity.
The Starlink solution, serving as a secondary communications channel, will support client usage onboard and further improve welfare services for the crew. These upgrades are built on a long-term collaboration with Marlink, whose engineering and post-sales engagement teams have consistently supported Shelf Drilling’s technological advances.
ITC Global, now a Marlink company, was awarded the first contract for communications services by Shelf Drilling in 2014 with successful renewals in 2018 and 2021. The award of the new contract will extend the relationship by another three years.
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.
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.
About Marlink
For companies operating in the world’s most challenging environments – from merchant vessels to offshore and onshore energy operations, from humanitarian organisations to cruise ships and superyachts – Marlink creates and delivers possibilities, anywhere.
Marlink is a managed service provider and global leader in remote ICT solutions with annual revenues surpassing $800 million and 1,500 employees operating in more than 30 countries.
Wherever our customers are in the world, we deliver them possibilities to work smarter and to operate more effectively, more safely, more sustainably - without the limitations of technology.
With our possibility platform, we enable a comprehensive suite of end-to-end managed solutions (Connectivity, Network, Cybersecurity, Cloud & IT, IoT & Apps), supported by professional services, unmatched global operations and delivery capabilities and local support teams.
As a global company with a local focus we help make tomorrow’s possibilities today’s realities.
For further information please visit www.marlink.com.
About Shelf Drilling
Shelf Drilling is a leading international shallow water offshore drilling contractor with rig operations across Middle East, Southeast Asia, India, West Africa, Mediterranean and North Sea. Shelf Drilling was founded in 2012 and has established itself as a leader within its industry through its fit-for-purpose strategy and close working relationship with industry leading clients.
The Company is incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands with corporate headquarters in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The Company is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange under the ticker “SHLF”.
Additional information about Shelf Drilling can be found at www.shelfdrilling.com.