EMC to provide VSAT service for seven GulfMark PSVs

(MIRAMAR, Fla.) — EMC has taken orders to supply VSAT equipment and services for seven platform supply vessels (PSVs) in the North Sea as part of a four-year fleet agreement with GulfMark (Norway).

The scope of supply for each vessel includes a 60-inch Ku-band stabilized antenna and below-deck terminal interfaced with the ship’s network and third-party GSM voice system. EMC will also provide the satellite air time for crew welfare and mission-critical voice and data communications. The installations will take place over the next 12 months as the vessels become available.

“GulfMark’s vessels operate in an extremely demanding market segment with rigorous requirements for uptime, connectivity, bandwidth, data throughput and content,” said Gilles Gillesen, president of EMC’s commercial marine business unit. “Our global fully-meshed network of overlapping Ku-band satellite footprints with automatic beam switching ensures continuous uninterrupted connectivity. Our unique patented technologies provide mission-enhancing communications for the ships’ business and an unparalleled Quality of Experience (QoE) for their crews. In addition, our global service organization provides rapid-response support 24/7 wherever the ships are operating.”

“We have been providing VSAT for GulfMark Norway for a number of years on a ship-by-ship basis. This new fleet contract extends and expands that business relationship,” Gillesen added. “This important win is a testimony to our uncompromising commitment to delivering value and providing unmatched customer support and service.”

Headquartered in Houston, GulfMark Offshore Inc. provides marine transportation services to the energy industry through a fleet of 72 modern, technologically advanced offshore support vessels. GulfMark is the largest operator of platform supply vessels in the North Sea and also operates significant fleets in the high-growth markets of Southeast Asia and the Americas.

For more information about EMC, visit www.EMCConnected.com.

By Professional Mariner Staff