US-based Globecomm Maritime has secured a contract to equip Kota Laksamana 101, a barge owned by Malaysian upstream player PBJV Group, with its Ku-Band VSAT and L-band connectivity services.

Malaysia’s state-owned energy firm Petronas has recently chartered the barge, which can accommodate up to 300 personnel.

The scope of the contract calls for the provision of a dedicated 512kbps up and down link to Petronas staff working on board the vessel.

Globecomm Asia regional sales manager Kian Ong said: "We knew that the client had requested multiple quotes and although we were not the cheapest, PBJV was convinced that we could provide the reliability of service that they need to keep their customer happy.

"PBJV had very specific requirements from its communications partner for the Kota Laksamana 101 contract."

"The quality of the Ku-band VSAT connectivity provided a flexible primary service and the unlimited L-Band failover was an added reliability component that gave the Globecomm solution a distinct advantage."

The below deck equipment of the barge has a VoIP option, although PBJV specified a pure data solution through a single satellite beam.

Globecomm said that it can remotely re-configure equipment on the Kota Laksamana 101 to connect to other VSAT satellite operators, should the purpose-built accommodation and pipe-lay barge go on future charters outside the current coverage area.

PBJV Group assistant technical superintendent En Hisyam Ismail said: "PBJV had very specific requirements from its communications partner for the Kota Laksamana 101 contract.

"Our charterer wanted a guaranteed data rate for ship to shore connectivity and Globecomm’s creativity in providing a reliable high quality primary solution with a robust back-up made them the natural choice."