Delivering uninterrupted entertainment and reliable communication to offshore oil and gas workers is no small feat.
With complex technical demands and challenging environments, ensuring these workers stay connected and entertained requires innovative solutions.
Swift Networks has risen to this challenge, providing critical services to major players in the industry.
The challenges of offshore communication
Maintaining a connection in offshore environments involves more than simply turning on a TV or making a video call.
Swift Networks chief executive officer Brian Mangano highlighted the complexity.
“There are so many more factors to consider, including limited availability to the internet,” he said.
Offshore workers face extended periods away from home, limited living spaces, and high-risk working conditions. These factors necessitate robust communication and entertainment systems to help them unwind and stay connected with loved ones.
Swift Networks’ proprietary solution
Swift Networks has developed a proprietary low-bandwidth solution to address these challenges. This technology effectively manages bandwidth and caches content when high bandwidth is unavailable.
“We have also developed fail-over backup systems maintaining a seamless experience for the end user,” Mangano said.
This ensures that workers have access to premium entertainment and reliable communication, even in remote and fluctuating bandwidth conditions.
Industry implementation
Swift Networks has installed its solutions on various offshore facilities, including vessels for Chevron and Shell and, more recently, two INPEX vessels.
“We are now onto our tenth major project across six offshore vessels,” Mangano said. “We have built up considerable experience in oil and gas over 11 years.”
This extensive experience enables Swift to deliver high-quality content and maintain service continuity, which is critical for keeping workers connected to their families and surroundings.
The importance of connectivity
Connectivity goes beyond entertainment.
It supports mental health by allowing workers to communicate with their families, reducing the isolation that often accompanies offshore work. Swift’s systems also provide a vital communication channel for alerts and important information, enhancing safety and awareness onboard.
“Swift provides entertainment to unwind, ensures there is bandwidth to call family and friends, supports access to information about services on the vessel, and provides an additional channel of communicating alerts,” Mangano said.
Technical and logistical challenges
Installing these systems is not without its hurdles. The limited space on vessels and steel structures poses significant challenges for Wi-Fi systems.
Moreover, the planning and installation process is intricate, often involving four-month planning cycles.
“If you forget something, you can’t just pop down to Bunnings; you will have to wait another four months for another installation opportunity,” Mangano said.
Swift mitigates these risks by thoroughly testing systems in their West Perth facility before shipment, ensuring every detail is addressed down to the last cable tie.
The result: A seamless offshore experience
Swift Networks’ solutions have transformed the living conditions for offshore workers. By providing reliable entertainment and communication services, they help mitigate the stress and isolation of remote work environments.
This approach not only improves morale but also enhances overall safety and operational efficiency. The success of these installations underscores the importance of strategic planning and innovative technology in overcoming the unique challenges of offshore environments.
Swift Networks exemplifies how technological innovation and meticulous planning can significantly improve the quality of life for offshore oil and gas workers.
Its proprietary solutions and extensive industry experience enable them to provide seamless, high-quality entertainment and communication services, ensuring workers remain connected and engaged.
As the oil and gas industry continues to navigate its complex operational challenges, Swift Networks’ contributions will undoubtedly play a crucial role in supporting the well-being and efficiency of the offshore workforce.