Marlink has confirmed that its new local Teleport, network infrastructure and support capabilities meet new pre-requirements to provide VSAT services for Petrobras-chartered vessels operating offshore Brazil.

Petrobras has set strict new connectivity and services standards for offshore vessels carrying Petrobras crew, following the decision to discontinue its in-house VSAT network by 2023. New bids and contracts for offshore vessels already consider such requirements that will apply to the vast majority of vessels operating in Brazil as existing contracts are renewed.

The main requirements are strict latency standards (~650 milliseconds), redundant direct interconnection to Petrobras data centres, and local support in Portuguese language. The VSAT technology selected by Marlink for the Brazil teleport is able to efficiently deliver compliant speeds to all types of vessels, including high bandwidth consumers like FPSOs and drilling rigs.

Marlink will fulfil the requirements through co-operation with global and local Brazilian partners and is committed to further developing its established presence and capabilities in the region in support of digitalisation of all maritime and offshore operations. To further extend its range of customer solutions, Marlink also has agreements in place with satellite operators to provide a full range of licensed L-band services in Brazil.

“Petrobras is a frontrunner in its specifications for high bandwidth and well provisioned connectivity for digitally-enabled smart operations to support its energy exploration and production activity,” said Tore Morten Olsen, President Maritime, Marlink. “Brazil is an important market for Marlink and our ongoing investment will ensure that our customers operating vessels offshore are able to meet – and exceed – these demands.”