Value Proposition  
Energy companies are faced with ever-increasing pressures to replenish reserves and improve operational efficiencies in order to supply rising global consumption of fossil fuels. At the same time, much of the accessible oil and gas fields in politically stable regions have been exploited driving prices upward as global supplies tighten. Oil companies have responded with significant investment in exploration and production operations in the deep waters of the Gulf. Operating in the deepwater Gulf poses unique challenges arising from the sea depth, weather, safety and environmental concerns, the distance from shore and an aging skilled workforce.

In order to optimize production in light of these challenges, energy and service companies have emphasized various forms of technology to enhance recovery, lower operating cost, increase production rates and reduce capital costs. Under this strategy, companies seek to explore, drill and extract resources, often remotely, as quickly and efficiently as possible.

In deepwater applications microwave is often not a viable option due to distance to shore limitations. Successful satellite transmission is challenged by three distinct issues (1) bandwidth per unit, will cost the end user incrementally more as bandwidth use goes up, (2) latency often results in the inability to use certain software’s and will also deliver lower bandwidth through-put and (3) reliability/uptime often becomes a problem due to varying weather conditions.

Through the use of a fiber optic network, the simple improvement of reliable, latency free communications has allowed companies to realize compelling savings through:

  • Access to company WANs
  • Enhanced collaboration
  • Reduced travel costs
  • Advanced inventory control
  • Superior evacuation performance
  • Quicker and more timely decisions
  • Decrease in nonessential personnel onsite
  • Remote Operations
  • Innovative training
  • Better utilization of management time
The lack of reliable, secure broadband communications in the Gulf creates a bottleneck that prevents energy companies from realizing productivity gains that fiber optic communications have brought to the other parts of the world over the last several years. As technology permeates every facet of oil and gas production it will drive the demand for reliable, secure broadband communications. Only a fiber optic cable, such as the Ocean Fiber Network, can deliver such a promise that is capable of enabling these opportunities.