Network Innovations provides solutions tailored to meet specialized, operations-focused customer needs. In this case, the goal was to enhance ship-to-shore communications for a company specializing in offshore installation and foundation services. 

The Challenge:

For specialists in offshore construction, a reliable data connection is essential to relay information back to head office onshore – having no signal is simply not an option.

A large company, providing equipment and services for construction projects in the offshore wind and oil and gas sectors, required a robust communication network to ensure operational continuity from remote locations. Their teams are often stationed on specialized vessels, ensuring the safe installation of large structures such as wind turbines and underwater pipelines.

As guests on these vessels – typically owned and managed by partner companies operating in the North Sea – the company was previously dependent on satellite connectivity onboard each vessel. Recognizing the limitations of this arrangement, they shifted toward deploying their own manageable communications system to cut costs, decrease dependency on external networks, and address challenges related to sky obstruction. The vessels’ steel structure and heavy lifting equipment often interfered with the satellite’s line of sight, making connectivity more difficult.

The Solution:

As an already existing customer, the company’s technical team looked to Network Innovations for independent communications.

After successful testing, the team opted to combine Starlink’s satellite internet with Peplink’s multi-WAN failover capabilities. Peplink MAX BR1 Mini routers, designed to manage various types of connectivity, now serve as mobile communication hubs aboard each vessel – delivering expanding coverage to connect their mobile office and personnel:

🗨️ “The client received a total of four complete kits to start, each including a Peplink MAX BR1 Mini, two Starlink terminals, and two Peplink 42G mobility antenna. Our team took care of the first installation, ensuring their technicians were familiar with the setup process. We provided hands-on guidance, from configuring the Peplink routers to optimizing the positioning of the Starlink terminals and mobility antennas, avoiding sky obstruction."  - Edwin Sanders, PreSales Manager at Network Innovations

The failover capability guarantees that if one connection experiences downtime, the system can automatically switch to another, such as cellular or Wi-Fi. When paired with a MAX BR1 router, the externally mounted 42G antennas boost cellular connection, offering a reliable backup or supplement to Starlink’s satellite internet.

The Impact:

This solution addresses the company’s need for robust connectivity, enabling clearer, real-time communications such as voice calls and video meetings. Their crew can now stay in sync with the head office as if they were onshore, remaining focused on the work at hand.

Rounding out the deployment, all devices can be managed with Peplink InControl 2. This provides their IT department with detailed monitoring services and remote management capabilities.

Providing unified support for each stage of implementation, the Network Innovations team enhanced communications capacity. Those on board are better equipped for the exchange of key information between teams and personnel, serving as a vital link in ensuring the seamless delivery of their craftsmanship.