Teekay Offshore has contracted Marlink to provide ITLink solutions to manage IT infrastructure on its shuttle tankers, floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) units and ALP oceangoing towing vessels
Teekay Offshore vice president of operations Regis Rougier says this move will help maintain compliance and resilience of fleet IT systems.
“As our operations become ever more sophisticated, encompassing the shore-based remote monitoring of onboard systems,” said Mr Rougier, “it is obviously vital for us to know that the digital foundation between vessels, and from shore to ship, can be relied upon without question.”
Marlink has become “a single interface between our all-important IT and communications structures” he explains, as VSAT satellite communications is also provided by Marlink.
This ITLink contract came after Teekay Offshore renewed its satellite services contract with Marlink in May 2019.
After signing that contract, Mr Rougier explained to Riviera Maritime Media how critical VSAT connectivity is for Teekay Offshore’s operations and crew welfare. “Our ships are floating offices at sea,” he said in July 2019.
“If VSAT stopped working then our captains would have problems as the IT would stop working,” he added. With the ITLink contract, Teekay Offshore can maintain the compliance and resilience of vessel IT networks.
ITLink solutions, including KeepUp@Sea, will implement standardisation, automation and remote network management, reducing the possibility of human error and need for technicians to travel to a ship to fix IT issues. There will be automated software updates and remote access for troubleshooting potential issues.
ITLink solutions will also secure Teekay Offshore’s IT networks and ensure it is compliant with new regulations including IMO 2021 Cyber Security guidelines.
Marlink president for maritime Tore Morten Olsen said ITLink will keep Teekay Offshore “at the cutting-edge of maritime digitalisation” and increase reliability of onboard networks.
“The integration of our connectivity services with the ITLink portfolio and KeepUp@Sea will simplify and enhance Teekay Offshore’s IT infrastructure,” said Mr Olsen, “with all the material, logistical and support benefits.”
He says remote monitoring and management of IT networks is a key benefit. “We are confident that remote digital intervention will have a tangible impact on Teekay Offshore’s ability to optimise and deliver more sustainable, profitable and environmentally friendly operations,” said Mr Olsen.
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