09 October 2024

HGIS plays a major role in Malaysia’s offshore oil and gas industry, serving remote offshore sites owned by leading energy operators. To successfully maintain operations, it’s crucial that HGIS can transmit data essential for monitoring operations, ensuring safety, and making informed decisions, from offshore sites to the mainland in a synchronised manner.

Shaky foundations

HGIS had historically been relying on L-band connectivity from another service provider to maintain communications.

However, it began to experience a series of problems that significantly hampered operations. Data loss was a constant issue, often attributed to slow data speeds and limited coverage from their incumbent solution. This not only created disruptions but also led to substantial additional costs. Personnel had to be deployed offshore repeatedly to retrieve missing data, increasing the risk of incidents, and impacting staff welfare in the sensitive offshore environment, where even minor mishaps could turn catastrophic.

HGIS reached out to Applied Satellite Technology Networks (AST Networks), whose team in Asia possessed a deep understanding of field operations in similar environments.

Point-to-point

AST Networks collaborated closely with HGIS to fully understand their requirements, the existing challenges, and the future opportunities they aimed to address. The remote sites’ locations, coverage needs, and the sensitivity of the data being transmitted were all considered within the initial plans.

With this comprehensive data in hand, AST Networks designed a bespoke solution which involved establishing direct point-to-point connections to the customer’s secure facilities, allowing the transmission of sensitive data to their end clients in a synchronised and secure manner. This not only resolved the data transmission issues but also provided the capability for additional data services and remotely monitored sensors, capitalising on the newly deployed high-bandwidth infrastructure.

Long-term goals

HGIS opted to deploy the solution across multiple sites in Malaysia, and in doing so, achieved transformational results, with data transmission becoming reliable, efficient, and secure. The solution was designed to be scalable and as a result, the service provider planned to replicate the solution on various other offshore sites across Malaysia.

“AST Networks’ expertise and solution transformed our data transmission challenges in the Malaysian offshore sector, delivering secure, efficient connectivity and cost savings,” said Andre Haramugam, Head - Commercial Operations at HGIS. “Their exceptional support and scalable technology exceeded our expectations, ensuring our operational success and safety.”

One of the most remarkable outcomes of this collaboration was the significant cost savings achieved by HGIS. When compared to the previous solution, which was not efficient or reliable and incurred additional expenses, AST Networks’ solution proved to be not only effective but also cost-efficient. HGIS was extremely pleased with the new solution, which addressed not just immediate challenges, but also support their long-term goals in ensuring seamless operations and safety in the demanding offshore oil and gas sector.

“AST Networks has exemplified our commitment to providing trusted connectivity solutions that empower our customers to effectively control their remote operations,” said Sampaul Singh, Director at AST Networks Asia. “The successful delivery of this project showcases our expertise, unwavering dedication to exceeding customer expectations and our passion for resolving complex connectivity challenges.”