BEEMAR Supply Vessel Fleet Gains Vital Offshore Communications Capabilities with Hughes Broadband Maritime Solution

Aug. 24

When BEEMAR, LLC rolled out a fleet of state-of-the-art Dynamic Positioning 2 (DP-2) Platform Supply Vessels (PSVs), they needed a global broadband maritime communications solution that could match the high-tech demands of these new vessels and of their customers. BEEMAR chose Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HUGHES) and Environmental Safety Systems International, Inc (ESSI) to fulfill this mission.  

Hughes, the global leader in broadband satellite networks and services, is equipping BEEMAR's entire fleet of platform supply vessels with its fully managed maritime solution in partnership with ESSI Corporation, a systems integrator specializing in maritime industries. The comprehensive Hughes solution includes high-speed Internet access, voice, email, video, and on-board Wi-Fi. In addition to supporting critical operational communications and data exchange, the solution is an important morale-boosting amenity for the crew, providing a vital ship-to-shore link for workers who often spend weeks offshore.  

"Our vessels support everything from deepwater oil production, deep shelf exploration, offshore and sub-sea construction, to seismic and special well service support. In all cases, fast Internet services are required to coordinate resources and personnel, and to enable workers to keep in touch with their families. Because Hughes manages it all for us, it's one less thing for us to worry about," said Darrel Plaisance, BEEMAR's vice president and Chief Operating Officer.

These advanced Dynamic Positioning-2 vessels use computer controls to automatically maintain the ship's position with thrusters and propellers, rather than dropping anchor. The advanced precision technology enables BEEMAR's fleet to provide offshore support to oil rigs, pipelines, surveying contractors, and other operations in the Gulf of Mexico and international markets. The Hughes solution extends satellite broadband services for BEEMAR's vessels to the Mediterranean, Red Sea, Caribbean, and off the coast of Mexico. For example, a BEEMAR DP-2 ship supporting an offshore surveying project in the Red Sea is able to transmit real-time data to the customer's Houston headquarters for analysis, greatly reducing remote staffing and travel costs. In addition, the company is able to perform remote diagnostics on critical system electronics that keep the vessels operational at sea.

"Hughes looks forward to being an integral part of BEEMAR's aggressive expansion plans," said Vinod Shukla, senior vice president, International Division, Hughes. "Communications is a key aspect of the safety-focused culture on vessels and our Hughes Broadband Maritime Solution has once again lived up to the high expectations of the crew. The use of our service on BEEMAR's high-tech vessels in the Gulf of Mexico and Red Sea/Mediterranean regions is a strong endorsement of our superior offering."