Challenge

Dolphin Drilling faced significant connectivity challenges in its offshore operations, impacting both productivity and employee welfare. Traditional VSAT-based communication systems, which relied on satellite networks with high latency, created delays that made real-time data exchange with onshore teams inefficient. This bottleneck hindered the adoption of digitalisation and automation technologies critical to modern drilling operations. Continuous and reliable access to large amounts of relevant data generated during drilling operations is critical for high-quality decision-making and efficiency.

Additionally, poor connectivity meant offshore personnel struggled to stay connected with their families. For years, the inability to maintain reliable and consistent communication with loved ones or collaborate seamlessly with onshore teams posed a recurring issue for Dolphin Drilling, making it more difficult to meet expectations of enhanced operational efficiency, safety, and sustainability.

Solution

To overcome these challenges, Dolphin Drilling partnered with Tampnet, to implement the innovative Connected Rig solution on our Paul B. Loyd Jr. semi-submersible drilling rig.

Founded in Stavanger in 2001, Tampnet builds, owns and operates the world’s largest and fastest offshore high-capacity communications network. Serving offshore energy, maritime, and the telecom sectors, Tampnet’s robust 4G/5G networks support critical operations, IoT sensors, and remote management, ensuring safer, more efficient, secure and sustainable operations.

Tampnet’s solution introduced a mix of advanced technologies, creating a robust and high-performance communication network tailored for offshore operations. This state-of-the-art connectivity system addressed the limitations of traditional VSAT by leveraging Tampnet’s comprehensive infrastructure:

  • High-capacity, low-latency offshore 4G/LTE connected to nearby installations connected to shore via fibre backhaul.
  • LEO satellite services via Starlink and OneWeb for global coverage

Traffic orchestration was managed through Versa SD-WAN technology, ensuring that critical operational data was prioritised and other traffic needs balanced. This solution provided high-bandwidth connectivity, network redundancy, and seamless onboard services like Wi-Fi and VOIP, enabling efficient communication between offshore crews and onshore teams.

Outcome

The implementation of Tampnet’s Connected Rig solution has been transformative for Dolphin Drilling, addressing longstanding challenges and significantly enhancing offshore operations. With guaranteed uptime through Tampnet's Service Level Agreement (SLA) and 24/7 proactive support from Tampnet’s Network Operation Centres, critical operational data is always prioritised, ensuring seamless connectivity between offshore personnel onshore-based teams and essential systems.

Implementing the solution on an active, operational rig posed challenges, but the team successfully installed the new technologies in parallel with the existing infrastructure, achieving a flawless changeover without any downtime.

Beyond operational benefits, the solution has also improved offshore working conditions by providing crew members with reliable connectivity to contact their loved ones, addressing a longstanding challenge where traditional systems meant that crew communications were often deprioritised, where simple tasks like a Facetime call with family were nearly impossible.

The Paul B. Loyd Jr. was the first floating rig in the North Sea to feature this bundle of cutting-edge communication system. Its greater connectivity capabilities have garnered attention from competitors, positioning ourselves as a pioneer, offering clients unmatched efficiency, safety, and connectivity in the offshore industry.

Future

In addition to deploying Tampnet’s solution across the fleet, Dolphin Drilling is exploring local 4G network enhancements to overcome the limitations of existing wireless systems onboard rigs. Current setups often struggle to penetrate steel structures effectively, leading to inconsistent connectivity in certain areas. By implementing next-generation mobile technology with just two antennas, the company aims to ensure full rig coverage while unlocking capabilities such as:

  • Real-time access to systems and data.
  • Enhanced safety measures through real-time personnel tracking to respond quickly to safety incidents.
  • Push-to-talk technology for instant group communication, replacing traditional radios with more versatile solutions.

Dolphin Drilling’s proactive approach to enhancing connectivity and operational efficiency ensures that its rigs will continue to meet and exceed evolving offshore industry demands, supporting client ambitions while prioritising crew welfare and safety.

“This solution represents a game-changer in offshore connectivity. I am very impressed with the Tampnet team and the way they delivered the project on time and with high quality and professionalism in all parts of the delivery.”

- Svein Bjørnstad