Acutec and Broadcast Services Australia (BSA) recently completed supply and installation of a Sea Tel 5004 1.2m satellite TV antenna aboard the semi-submersible oil drilling rig NAN HAI VI.
Located in the Kuda Tasi oil field 200km from the East Timor coast, the new Acutec Sea Tel antenna along with the BSA TV distribution system provides a reliable digital TV and radio service for the drilling rig personnel. This is despite its location well outside the satellite coverage footprint for a 1.2m dish. This is due mainly to the efficient design and superior tracking performance of the Sea Tel system.
Part of a project undertaken for Woodside Petroleum, the new TV system is improving life on-board by providing rig staff with full access to digital satellite TV services. Many companies involved in oil and gas operations are striving to develop their offshore communications infrastructure to go beyond traditional maritime operations and safety requirements. Operators see satellite-enabled entertainment, low cost crew calling and broadband internet as essential to improve staff moral and therefore staff retention.