Vertical: Oil & Gas
Application: Remote drilling operations, predictive maintenance, digital twins, autonomous inspections, AR/VR applications
Ecosystem: Tampnet, Nokia, Starlink, OneWeb
Private Network: LTE, 5G
Tampnet has secured a comprehensive five-year communications contract with Island Drilling AS to deliver advanced connectivity solutions for the semi-submersible Island Innovator rig operating in the harsh North Sea environment. The deployment combines multiple connectivity layers with artificial intelligence-driven traffic management.
The contract encompasses a hybrid architecture that integrates low-earth orbit satellite services from both Starlink and OneWeb with Tampnet’s existing North Sea LTE infrastructure. The system incorporates the company’s proprietary T-FAST technology, delivering multiple carrier capabilities through a low-footprint, high-speed antenna system, alongside microwave and fiber connectivity options.
An AI-based orchestration system automatically routes network traffic over the optimal path in real-time. This intelligent traffic steering ensures different applications receive appropriate quality of service levels while maximizing overall network performance and resilience through continuous analysis of network conditions and application requirements.
“A well-connected rig is no longer a nice-to-have; it’s the backbone for remote operations and data-driven decision-making,” said Trygve Hagevik, Chief Commercial Officer at Tampnet. The executive emphasized that the blended connectivity approach provides both performance and resilience required for modern offshore operations.
Island Drilling CEO Roger Simmens highlighted the operational benefits. “The Island Innovator operates in some of the world’s toughest conditions. Tampnet’s multi-layer network and private 5G capability will let our crews work smarter and safer while enabling our rig for the digital future,” he noted.
The private network architecture supports end-to-end 4G and 5G connectivity with seamless mobility for people, sensors, drones, and robotic systems. This coverage enables advanced applications including predictive maintenance systems, digital twin implementations, and autonomous inspection capabilities previously challenging to deploy offshore.
Edge-ready architecture supports resource-intensive applications such as digital twins, augmented and virtual reality systems, remote expert video consultations, and mission-critical voice and data communications. The edge computing capabilities allow local processing of data-intensive applications, reducing latency and improving system responsiveness.
Tampnet provides guaranteed service level agreements backed by round-the-clock network operations center support. This continuous monitoring ensures maximum uptime and rapid response to connectivity issues during critical drilling operations.
The deployment achieves full operational status before the Island Innovator begins its next North Sea drilling campaign in the fourth quarter of 2025, allowing for thorough testing and optimization before active drilling operations commence.
