Marlink Expands Contract with DOF ASA

Marlink, the global provider of maritime satellite communications, has secured a new three year contract with DOF ASA, a Norwegian based operator of offshore and subsea vessels. As part of the new contract Marlink will supply its cutting-edge Sealink™ VSAT services to an additional 20 vessels, increasing the total number of DOF ASA vessels sailing with Marlink VSAT services to 52.

“Operating within the offshore and subsea sectors, DOF heavily relies upon high-speed connectivity for an extensive range of applications including efficient transfer of data ashore, increased communication between crew, vessels and shore-based employees and crew welfare. Marlink’s VSAT systems have proven to provide high quality bandwidth and reliable connectivity as well as flexible services, which can be customised to meet specific requirements. I am confident that our renewed relationship with Marlink’s very experienced engineering team will enable us to significantly expand our satellite communications capabilities moving forward,” comments Tor Skeie, General Manager, Marin IT in DOF ASA.

Marlink’s new contract with DOF ASA will include the delivery and installation of the innovative Sealink™ C-band and Ku-band VSAT system to provide dedicated bandwidth onboard 29 of its vessels. Marlink’s shared bandwidth Ku-band VSAT system will be installed onboard 23 of its vessels. The satellite communications package which has been developed by Marlink for DOF ASA, includes both dedicated and shared bandwidth services to meet specific requirements of individual vessels. In addition to the initial installations, Marlink anticipates that the scope of its supply will expand further to include several new builds planned for 2011.

Tore Morten Olsen, CEO, Marlink, adds: “Owning teleports globally, we consistently demonstrate unmatched flexibility and control of our satellite communications services. This offers significant benefits to companies operating within the offshore and subsea sectors such as DOF ASA, as we are able to provide high quality bandwidth and services that can be tailored to meet exact customer specifications. The new agreement with DOF ASA is testament to our strong understanding of the company’s requirements for connectivity, as well as our position at the forefront of the maritime satellite communications industry.”