Signing an agreement to equip the CTV “Wind Force 1” with a VSAT IP@SEA communications
system to provide passengers and crew with communications and content services.
HAMBURG, 29 September 2014: ESL, a satellite communications solutions provider and system integrator specialising in custom solutions for the Government, fishing, commercial shipping and offshore industries, has today announced that it has been contracted by Frisia-Offshore to roll out its customized Ku-Band VSAT service, IP@SEA, on the “Wind Force 1” which operates as a Crew Transfer Vessel (CTV)
in North Sea wind parks.
CTVs are an important interface between onshore bases and offshore wind farms because CTVs—with their small size and light weight—can access the turbines directly, thus enabling operations-critical and time-sensitive trouble shooting and service inspections. VSAT IP@SEA’s customisable Ku-Band VSAT services build and maintain the connection necessary for running these operations that require high availability and high capacity connectivity. Frisia-Offshore will—with ESL’s VSAT IP@SEA solution—have access to services used for a variety of applications including telephony and internet access for passengers and crew. The long-term contract will provide operational connectivity meeting the needs of the onshore office, crew and passengers, as well as provide flexible and fast service availability carried out by highly trained service technicians. The agreement also includes equipment upgrades on the Frisia-Offshore vessel “Otto Treplin” which operates as a multi-purpose guard vessel in North Sea wind parks as well.
“Connectivity is a key differentiator for Frisia-Offshore. High quality telephony and internet access contribute greatly to our passengers’ satisfaction, crew welfare and even our operational efficiency,” said Capt. Matthias Etzold, Senior Project Manager and Authorized Officer of Frisia-Offshore. “We have worked closely with ESL for several years to develop and apply a communications solution designed to reduce costs whilst optimizing our connectivity services. This helps us differentiate our offering in a very competitive marketplace.”
“Frisia-Offshore is one of the most innovative offshore operators so we are proud that they have chosen our solution to support their ambition to be market-leading when it comes to offshore communications,” said Frank Challier, Sales Director Maritime and Offshore at ESL. “The new solution will give Frisia-Offshore vessels more flexibility, stability and availability of communication services and even better equipment reliability.