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Lindsey Donnell
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BROADPOINT COMMUNICATIONS ANNOUNCES CONTRACT WITH SEACOR MARINE FOR NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART CREW VESSEL
Agreement adds Broadpoint’s services to five SEACOR vessels and marks new international work
HOUSTON (July 1, 2008) – Broadpoint, a US-based telecommunications and network solutionscompany, has been awarded an additional contract from SEACOR Marine, a leading provider of support services to oil and gas operators. The contract covers connectivity services for five new vessels, including the M/V SEACOR Cheetah – the first of SEACOR’s landmark new crew transport vessels to be put into service.
While Broadpoint has provided communications services to SEACOR Marine vessels in the Gulf of Mexico for more than 13 years, today’s announcement marks the first international partnership between the two companies as the SEACOR Cheetah heads to the West African coast.
“Broadpoint is extremely proud of the level of service we have provided to SEACOR Marine in the Gulf of Mexico and we are pleased that it has paved the way for this new international work,” said Errol Olivier, president and CEO, Broadpoint. “Through the new contract, SEACOR Marine will enjoy reliable, cost-effective connectivity on an expanded number of vessels with the convenience of maintaining a single provider relationship with Broadpoint.”
Under the contract, Broadpoint will provide SEACOR Marine with a turnkey solution for secure voice and data applications. The services will operate on Broadpoint’s VSAT network – one of the largest VSAT networks in the satellite communications industry.
SEACOR has utilized Broadpoint’s GSM technology to connect its vessels back to shore for several years. By taking advantage of Broadpoint’s leading satellite-based connectivity, SEACOR will be able to provide its crews and passengers with more reliable and convenient voice and data services, including wireless internet.
“Combined with a proven track record of technical expertise, Broadpoint has consistently provided SEACOR Marine with excellent customer service,” said Rick Groen, director, systems/advanced technology at SEACOR Marine. “With our newest vessel, the SEACOR Cheetah, heading overseas it is necessary to have a communications partner that we know is reliable. Broadpoint has always been responsive, flexible and willing to meet our needs.”
The SEACOR Cheetah was developed to provide cost-effective, convenient and safe crew transportation for offshore oil and gas operators. The vessel can hold up to 150 passengers and reach speeds of up to 40 knots – twice the speed of conventional crew boats.
The new level of satellite service that Broadpoint is providing to SEACOR is also more conducive to the offshore industry’s growing demand for video services. On the SEACOR Cheetah, the ability to transmit video over satellite will act as a safety measure, enabling experts on shore to view vessel conditions in real-time.
“We are pleased to work with clients like SEACOR Marine who believe in the merits of technology and we look forward to working with their team in broadening their overseas connectivity,” said Jennifer Medcalf, vice president of marketing, Broadpoint. “As our clients’ assets continue to spread throughout the globe, we are evolving our services to continue to meet their communications needs.”