Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) is an important energy source that can be used for power generation, heating, cooking and in transportation and many industrial processes, but it isn’t produced everywhere that it is needed around the world. That’s why LNG tankers are uniquely designed and constructed to travel across the globe while maintaining extremely low temperatures and high levels of pressure. Global connectivity is crucial for LNG operators and crew, as each voyage relies on uninterrupted operations to safeguard their personnel and billion-dollar assets.
The Transatlantic Ocean Challenge
Designed with stringent safety standards at its core, a specialized LNG carrier has the capacity to transport over 160,000 cubic meters of liquid gas across the Atlantic Ocean in a single voyage. Equipped with multiple safety systems and features, it prioritizes accident prevention and risk mitigation. One crucial element for its successful operations is uninterrupted connectivity.
The vessel incorporates a range of capabilities ensuring that the main control room promptly receives alerts for any abnormal sensor readings. Additionally, it enables remote diagnostics and troubleshooting, making connectivity indispensable for every journey.
Advanced navigation and communication systems on the vessel facilitate seamless operations, timely maintenance, and efficient communication with onshore teams. Internet connectivity plays a vital role in coordinating loading and unloading operations, as well as reporting any maintenance issues or safety concerns to the onshore teams. The ability to conduct remote diagnostics and troubleshooting aids in the swift identification and resolution of technical issues, minimizing downtime, and reducing the risk of accidents and disruptions.
Connected on the High Seas
The Vice President of Operations had a big task to address when it came to choosing a remote communications and technology partner. Core requirements included network diversity and ability to efficiently blend connectivity paths to save on cost while guaranteeing data flow for the safety, security, welfare, and the operation of the billion-dollar assets.
He commissioned Speedcast to provide a fully-managed solution, including Speedcast Ku GEO connectivity service, Starlink and LTE, as well as equipment, 24×7 network monitoring and support. Speedcast also deployed the intelligent network management system, SIGMA, with enterprise-grade SD-WAN to optimize and seamlessly manage the vessel’s connectivity.
100% Availability Over a 60-day period
Speedcast SIGMA dynamically took advantage of each connectivity path’s network performance when availability was strong, and automatically rebalanced traffic to other paths when needed. The solution brought the best of both worlds – the speed, bandwidth, and low latency of Starlink’s new LEO best-effort connectivity, with the guarantee of GEO-based VSAT service, critical when safety, security, human welfare, and the operation of billion-dollar assets are on the line.
One of the key advantages of SIGMA’s built-in SD-WAN is that the full solution is hosted on Amazon Web Services’ cloud, which simplifies cloud-enabled networking and security. Its automated dynamic routing provides the vessel with higher performance, reliability, resiliency, and redundancy. When network traffic and WAN selection are based on Quality of Service (QoS), the performance of critical applications can be prioritized according to the vessel’s business needs.
Leading the Way in the Transfer of Energy and Insights
As a global leader in international maritime transportation of gas liquids, the LNG operator seeks and promotes new thinking and ideas to support change and encourages others to do the same.
