Harris CapRock Captures Systems Integration Deal with Chevron for Big Foot Platform Project

Harris CapRock has signed a contract to provide telecommunications systems and infrastructure for Chevron’s Big Foot platform project in the Gulf of Mexico. The systems integration work will support all aspects of the project from design through Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT).

The Big Foot platform is the sixth facility operated by Chevron U.S.A. Inc. in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico, and is located 225 miles offshore from New Orleans, La., in water depths of 5,300 feet. The development will have a production capacity of 75,000 barrels of oil and 25 million cubic feet of natural gas per day. The first oil is anticipated in 2014.

Chevron requires a customized solution including the design, integration and testing of telecommunications systems before deployment, along with VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) hardware and service during production. Specifically, Chevron’s needs include telecommunications and electronic equipment, fiber and structured cabling, RF (Radio Frequency) and coax cabling, and an overall telecommunications infrastructure.

“Harris CapRock has delivered assured communications to Chevron’s offshore projects during the last 10 years,” said Tom Eaton, president, Harris CapRock Communications. “We’ve been able to build upon that history and will continue supporting Chevron through the Big Foot project as we serve as their trusted communications provider.”

Harris CapRock’s managed services will be part of the system to provide voice and data services, enabling the production platform to reach its high-capacity production goals.

Under the terms of the agreement, Harris CapRock will conduct the robust design, integration and testing of telecommunications subsystems, including UHF (Ultra-High Frequency) trunked, marine VHF (Very High Frequency), survival and aeronautical radios; radar, AIS (Automatic Identification System) and weather tracking systems; closed-circuit and entertainment TV; Personnel on Board location and access; VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) and associated fiber; CAT-6 structured cabling; and the infrastructure to support all services. The Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) period will be held at Harris CapRock’s energy headquarters in Houston, Texas. In addition, Harris CapRock will provide the VSAT hardware and associated managed services.

“We look forward to providing the quality service and on-time delivery on which we have built our reputation in this industry,” said Eaton. “By leveraging our project experience and building trust with our customers, we have developed differentiating qualities sought by leading players such as Chevron.”