SeaAccess Communications™ to be Deployed Onboard More Than Fifty Vessels
Harris CapRock Communications, a global provider of managed communication services, has signed a 39-month contract with BP Shipping Limited to deploy Harris CapRock’s SeaAccess solution onboard its global tanker fleet. SeaAccess’ turnkey VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) services will enable BP to extend its corporate IT network and applications to its vessels and provide attractive crew welfare solutions.
“We decided to upgrade our VSAT network after assessing the benefits of the latest available technology,” said BP Shipping Service Management and Infrastructure Manager Wasim Kayani. “We were looking to increase the services we can provide to our vessels while lowering the total cost of ownership. SeaAccess Communications leverages the platform and value-added services that we need to get the most out of our communications.”
SeaAccess will extend BP’s corporate office capabilities to each vessel, enabling ship captains to send real-time reports on vessel operations, logistics and routes. The service will also provide crew welfare communications, specifically supporting the crew’s heavy telephone traffic.
“BP’s vessels are constantly traversing the deep seas and are rarely docked at harbor for an extended period of time, so it’s challenging to get equipment installed on more than 50 vessels in such a short time frame,” said Pal Jensen, president, SeaAccess, Harris CapRock. “We rely on our 11 service-and-support centers that are strategically located nearby major ports to dispatch supplies and technicians in a timely manner. This is where Harris CapRock excels.” To-date, Harris CapRock has successfully deployed solutions to many of the world’s leading maritime and drilling fleets.
Prior to choosing Harris CapRock, BP conducted extensive testing at the Harris CapRock United Kingdom (UK) facility based in Aberdeen. Harris CapRock’s engineering team developed a time division multiple access (TDMA) demonstration with test circuits for BP’s experts to conduct real-time data transfers, make telephone calls and see first-hand the benefits of Harris CapRock’s wide area network (WAN) optimization service.
Harris CapRock Communications is a premier global provider of managed satellite and terrestrial communications solutions specifically for remote and harsh environments including the energy, government and maritime markets. Harris CapRock owns and operates a robust global infrastructure that includes teleports on six continents, five 24/7 network operations centers, local presence in 23 countries and more than 275 global field service personnel supporting customer locations across North America, Central and South America, Europe, West Africa and Asia Pacific.
Harris (NYSE:HRS) is an international communications and information technology company serving government and commercial markets in more than 150 countries. Headquartered in Melbourne, Florida, the company has approximately $6 billion of annual revenue and more than 16,000 employees – including nearly 7,000 engineers and scientists. Harris is dedicated to developing best-in-class assured communications® products, systems, and services. Additional information about Harris Corporation is available at www.harris.com.
