RigNet, SnapTV collaborate again for interactive media offering

RigNet, a leader in providing managed remote communications solutions to the oil and gas industry, has signed a global value-added reseller contract with SnapTV, a Norwegian company specializing in maritime and offshore infotainment and collaborative media.

"We are at a point in the oil and gas industry when media management systems, including those for crew welfare, are becoming more important," RigNet global product manager for collaboration services Marcus D. Waters said in a statement."With SnapTV, we can provide robust and flexible media systems to our customers and enable immediate access to infotainment and media management solutions as a result of this agreement. This will be an expanding service to improve remote employee retention by fostering a more enjoyable, engaged and productive environment for oil and gas teams."

SnapTV is a known leader in media management for environments that are bandwidth-restricted. The company also supports fleet-wide management of audio and video for applications like crew infotainment, digital signage, e-learning, monitoring and surveillance, as well as organizational communication.

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Norsat introduces Sentinel RMC for oil, gas industry

Good news for the oil and gas industry: Canada-based Norsat International Inc. rolled out its new M2M (machine to machine) solutions line. Sentinel RMC is the company’s first product and is an all-inclusive equipment and data as a service package delivering global, remote site data monitoring and control in real time through the use of flexible communication services and an intuitive, web-based interface that improves user’s experience.

Sentinel RMC is currently designed for down hole well monitoring applications, but Norsat is expecting M2M Solutions to be utilized for any application that requires real time data monitoring and control.

The new product also includes a ruggedized remote terminal unit (RTU), consisting of a data storage unit, an integrated processor, and various inputs and outputs that serve a general purpose and are capable of delivering advanced data management and control. Sentinel RMC can also provide connectivity from any point around the world by using communication service options, like cellular, satellite, terrestrial and point to point microwave -- using the most economical service for the customer’s application and location.

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Wood Group Unity awards contract to Hermes Datacomms for managed WAN

Hermes Datacommunications, a leading specialist in providing Wide Area Communications to the upstream oil and gas industry, has been chosen by Wood group Unity to provide Managed Wide Area Network connectivity to support operations for the services division of Canada, Cameroon, Dubai, Kazakhstan, Sakhalin Island and the UK.

Hermes Datacomms Account Manager Sam Murray noted, “Hermes has developed a strong working relationship with the Wood Group and we continue to support the company as their users requirements evolve.”

The company claims that the approach of Hermes Managed Services delivers value to Wood Group PSN by proactive price reductions from providers, not to mention a network-ownership approach. These services are reportedly managed and monitored 24/7 from the company’s Network Operation Centre (NOC) in the UK, with support from country offices. Hermes Point-of-Presence (PoP) at London Telehouse is reportedly central to the network.

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UK oil and gas sector more optimistic

The UK’s oil and gas sector is optimistic despite increased challenges from rising costs and skills shortages. According to a survey by the Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce (AGCC), the sector has outperformed the rest of the Scottish economy.

Staff recruitment has proven to be a difficulty to many oil and gas companies, and many doubts still lingered over the industry but many organizations are enhancing staff compensation to retain their workers. Positive fiscal moves have also supported the industry, although the AGCC pointed out the economic uncertainties will still impact the sector on a medium term.

Outlook is also positive for 2013 and experts say the sector would be able to support global demand. Salaries for skilled workers are also skyrocketing as companies compete and pirate workers from each other. The survey illustrated the positive outlook for the oil and gas sector which is now considering more-longer term plans with the nearing Scottish independence referendum come 2014.

 

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Pakistan looking to import petroleum from India

Pakistan’s Minister of Petroleum and Natural Resources, Asim Hussain, said that despite political differences, the Arab nation is ready to import petroleum from India.

 

The minister explained the possible petroleum agreement at the Petrotech-12 oil and gas conference. The increasing trade ties between the two countries are being seen by experts as a way of easing political tension.

 

At present, the Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd (HPCL) has been in discussions with Pakistani officials on the possible exporting of oil and gas. However, an official from HPCL, the agreement will only push through based on the right prices, and continued on saying the other party is demanding low prices for the petroleum products.

 

Oil deficit in the predominantly-Muslim nation has seen it allowing India to export fuel. However, the neighboring subcontinent has been having trouble competing with Kuwait’s lower fuel price offerings. Pakistan demands now to lower fuel rates is being seen as “economically not viable”.

 

India, however, has been granted the most favoured nation status in the recent petroleum trade agreements. If the agreements come to a reality, HPCL will be benefitting the most, and plans already on the way to increase the company’s productivity to meet demands from Pakistan.

 

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