The development of offshore oil and gas fields requires robust and reliable information technology (IT) and communication networks between onshore bases, and remote offshore facilities and infrastructure. Oil and gas IT services are therefore of vital importance to the ongoing success of organisations within the offshore sector.

Oilfield developers mostly rely on state-of-the-art satellite communication networks, fibre-optic and microwave networks, and cellular services to facilitate offshore navigation and communication.

Finding top suppliers of oil and gas IT services and communication equipment providers

Offshore Technology has listed leading suppliers of connectivity and communications solutions for the offshore sector, based on its intel, insights and decades-long experience in the sector.

The list includes suppliers of offshore navigation solutions such as document control systems, digital health, safety and environment (HSE) solutions, underwater wireless modems, fibre-optic communication systems, asset lifecycle management software, energy simulation modelling software, logistics software, and augmented reality solutions.

The information contained within the download document is designed for offshore communications engineers and specialists, technical communication coordinators and managers, offshore radio operators, and fibre communication specialists.

The download contains detailed information on the suppliers and their product lines, alongside contact details to aid your purchasing decision.

Related Buyer’s Guides which cover an extensive range of offshore equipment, manufacturers and solutions can also be found here.

Offshore navigation and communications solutions

The offshore sector uses satellite communication networks to transmit data over long distances. The communication networks typically include a very small aperture terminal (VSAT) at the offshore site, a satellite connection, and a teleport antenna at the onshore base.

Cellular and microwave networks, along with fibre-optic communication networks are used for point-to-point communication, data transfer, navigation and monitoring within the field between various components such as platforms, subsea trees, manifolds, and other equipment.

The communication networks and solutions should be able to withstand the extreme temperatures and pressures at offshore sites and be equipped with firewall and virus protection.

Some of the communication and navigation solutions used in the offshore sector are:

  • VSAT systems
  • Keyboard, video and mouse (KVM) extenders
  • Switches, media converters and IP matrix solutions
  • Closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems
  • Radio repeaters and testers
  • Communication simulators
  • Digital muster stations
  • Underwater wireless modems, and
  • Offshore navigation equipment such as global positioning systems, monitors, and sensors

Document management systems in oil and gas IT services

Document management systems help to easily manage, store and access the necessary documents related to regulations, policies, procedures and production reports.

Document management systems also offer easy access to project planning and development documents and help to analyse production data and support asset life cycle management.

Uses of modelling software

Modelling software including energy simulation modelling software is used for:

  • Reservoir modelling and simulation
  • 3D graphical models of offshore oil and gas fields
  • Offshore platforms and infrastructure design, and
  • Subsea simulation