Speedcast to provide communications solution for West Bollsta rig

Remote communication and IT solutions provider Speedcast has been awarded a new multi-year contract on the West Bollsta semi-submersible rig.

West Bollsta drilling rig / Image source: Northern Drilling
West Bollsta drilling rig / Image source: Northern Drilling

Speedcast said earlier this week that the fully-managed communications solution developed by the company for the West Bollsta included a dual-redundant C/Ku-band VSAT system, coupled with LAN/WiFi/Industrial WiFi, and WAN services, and PABX service.

Speedcast’s EVP of Energy, Keith Johnson, said: “Speedcast’s new solution for the West Bollsta semi-submersible demonstrates our commitment to delivering more than VSAT bandwidth, but developing a solution that seamlessly combines various technologies to best suit our customers’ needs on each asset or site.”

Ian Lamplough, head of partner management at Seadrill, added: “When operating the West Bollsta, one of the most modern, highest specification semi-submersible rigs in the world, we need a world-class communications solution. Speedcast was able to deliver exactly what we needed.”

The West Bollsta offshore drilling rig is capable of operating in harsh environment areas and ultra-deep waters of up to 10,000 feet. It is owned by Northern Drilling and operated by Seadrill.

The rig, previously known as Bollsta Dolphin, will be operating in the North Sea starting in the second quarter 2020 through January 2022, with an eight-month option to September 2022.

The contract, which was awarded by Lundin, includes work on the development of the Luno II field and the Rolvsnes discovery.

Northern bought the Bollsta Dolphin semi-submersible from Hyundai last December 2017. The original client for the rig, Fred. Olsen Energy canceled the order in 2015 as a result of the delays in the delivery date.

Offshore Energy Today Staff


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