Sea highlights new connectivity technology for offshore E&P operations

ABERDEEN -- Cohort plc company SEA is showcasing an enhanced secure voice and data communications system for remote applications such as offshore ships and platforms at Offshore Europe 17.

SEA’s 4G Man-Portable Mobile Data Node (MDN4G), combined with the L3 TRL Iguana network security device, is a rugged-ized Long Term Evolution (LTE) small cell “network-in-a-box” that provides the connectivity needed to operate smart phone or tablet based solutions where regular networks are unavailable or unreliable.

A suitable backhaul link (eg satellite or network) permits the system to link to standard onshore mobile networks and communications. If used with suitable ATEX zoned handsets, the system can be used throughout offshore installations and can be used in any location where there is a requirement for a secure network for voice, video, image or data sharing.

A new regulation recently introduced by Ofcom allows this product to be used with 3G and 4G devices offshore, with a connection back to shore, without the need for a wireless telegraphy licence.

Offshore oil and gas installations are categorized as part of UK critical national infrastructure (CNI), which also need robust defense against cyber attacks. The L3 TRM Iguana network security device provides advanced government grade hardware encryption. Integrated with the MdN, SEA can provide a high grade secure point to point network, essential for use in offshore oil and gas voice and data communications.

MdN4G is simple to deploy, providing a “Switch on and Go” capability, and is compatible with a wide range of commercial off-the-shelf cellular devices. It is a low Size Weight and Power (SWaP) design that is simple to operate, which allows rapid deployment at low cost when compared with alternative critical communication solutions.

Steve Hill, managing director of SEA commented: “MDN4G is already attracting considerable interest from sectors such as the emergency services and the military. It is also ideally suited to the offshore sector where users need high data rate communications with assured connectivity.”

SEA will be exhibiting at Offshore Europe in the Scottish Pavilion on Stand 2C59.