[Satnews] Dubai-based geophysical services company Polarcus has extended its global VSAT contract with Marlink for an additional three years.

The contract includes on-going provision of reliable voice and data connectivity through Sealink, Marlink’s C-band VSAT solution for Polarcus’ fleet of seismic vessels. This year the fleet will also be migrated from a dedicated configuration to a shared non-contended configuration using the new iDirect X7 modem to benefit from more dynamic bandwidth allocation to optimize connectivity.

Marlink provides VSAT based broadband connectivity to support Polarcus’ vessel operations and enables the fleet to operate safely and efficiently worldwide. Using smart IP connectivity from Marlink, Polarcus can monitor advanced operations from shore and execute quick interventions when needed.

As part of the contract extension with Marlink, Polarcus will continue to receive reliable global VSAT coverage while benefiting from a faster link, with an increased Committed Information Rate (CIR) of 512/1536 Kbps and a Maximum Information Rate (MIR) of 1536/3096 Kbps. Possible through the move to iDirect X7, the MIR is a burstable bandwidth increase, ensuring that Polarcus in addition to its guaranteed IP connectivity always has potential for more throughput if available at the time.

Executive Comments

“Reliable connectivity on board is essential to achieving safe and efficient operations and our experience with Marlink so far has shown that they can deliver the availability and quality of service fulfilling both our own and our clients’ needs,” said Magnus Oberg, VP IT, Polarcus.

“Sealink VSAT has become integral to operational efficiency and crew welfare on board Polarcus’ seismic fleet, and is also important to help the company to future-proof its operation,” said Tore Morten Olsen, Head of Maritime Satcom in Airbus Defence and Space.