Hermes Datacomms faced a challenge when BP wanted a VSAT satellite communications network for the start-up of new oilfield operations in Rumailah, southern Iraq, in 2010. BP gave the company three weeks to have WAN connectivity up and running for the first 15 of 21 sites in the system.

For Nigel Green, Hermes account manager for the BP contract, the project was a big request, even for a company experienced in providing VSAT/WAN solutions in more than 54 countries representing 92% of the world's oil and gas reserves. "After the contract was awarded," Green said, "we had 15 days to start installation of 21 sites in a hostile environment under extreme pressure. Any delays would hold up BP's operational start date. Within 11 days of contract award, Hermes started work on the priority installations. Within two weeks all work was complete, and the fully managed network was operational, allowing BP to move forward."

Dual satellite dishes provide full redundancy for the BP camp in South Rumailah, Iraq. The dish in the background works on KU band skywire technology providing 9 Mb of bandwidth, while the dish in the foreground provides C Band 4 Mb upload/16 Mb shared download across the camp in South Rumailah and the camp in North Rumailah. (Images courtesy of Hermes Datacomms)

The project

The project consisted of installing 21 sites across Rumailah, including life support camps, de-gassing stations, and rigs. The network required Internet, data, and voice capabilities over a fully mesh-managed VSAT network using SkyFlex technology. SkyFlex is built around the Comtech SkyWire MDX420 platform, which provides the core time division multiple access connectivity for remote nodes. Hermes' BUC and LNB devices provide the broadcast and receiver capabilities, with Cisco routers providing the additional back-end management capabilities that enable companies to prioritize and direct data, voice, and video traffic.

SkyFlex provides a comprehensive mesh TDMA solution enabling oil and gas companies to experience reliable, cost-efficient data and voice connectivity across a number of remote sites within a country or region where there is little or no fiber-based infrastructure.

According to Green, the team worked to ensure the tight deadlines were met. The company faced pressure because there was a significant rise in the number of personnel who would require early use of the service during the ramp-up to operations.

The first contract consisted of setting up 7 Mb of satellite availability at 15 sites on Ku band, providing connectivity for two life support camps and 13 rigs and degassing stations. A second contract was awarded two months later for a further six sites, again on 7 Mb Ku band, for more rigs and degassing stations.

Complex logistics

The logistics of such a contract in Iraq were also challenging. A typical visit to a rig site in Iraq involves a lot of planning. Shipping routes have to be adapted to accommodate the size of the equipment and bypass potentially hostile threats in the area of operations. Pre-visit briefings are held to ensure security team members are aware of what is happening in the area; intelligence reviews are carried out to identify any recent incidents or threats; and safe accommodation is arranged in the area, normally at the US military base, although in this case the base had a record of coming under fire.

"When personnel are out on the ground, pre-deployment briefings are held to train personnel on what to do in the event of a road side bomb or small arms attack," Green said. "We provide B6 armored vehicles, and the personnel are accompanied by security companies, which cost around US $4,400 per day, to ensure that all possible actions have been taken to keep personnel safe. We insist on everyone wearing bullet-proof jackets and helmets."

BP awarded Hermes additional contracts to provide a fully redundant VSAT system across its critical sites using C and Ku band satellites, different teleports, and last-mile routes that were on a separate infrastructure. This system utilized EIGRP technology so that both VSAT systems were utilized to their full potential. Load sharing was fully maximized to ensure all bandwidth was being used. This means the client was not paying for bandwidth in place in case of a critical failure on one of the selected satellites.

Technicians work at one of the Hermes network operation centers providing international coverage for all regions.

Growth potential

Hermes has been operating in the Middle East for more than 10 years, with an office in Dubai established in 2008 to meet the growing demand within the region and to enable the company to provide its regional customers with more in-depth, direct, and extensive support.

Kevin Thorley, Hermes CEO Middle East, said, "We expanded our Middle East office with a dedicated team of engineers and a 24-hour help desk. From an office of just two in 2008, we have now grown to 22. We see tremendous growth in Iraq and across the region in the next five to 10 years. Our mission is to ensure that we are not only effectively established within the region, but that we also are continuously developing and strengthening our offering to cater for future demand.

"The oil and gas companies are not just looking for a VSAT provider; they are looking for a company that offers an integrated solution," Thorley said. "We are working with partners to make sure we deliver turnkey projects that would involve fiber and last-mile access in addition to VSAT, fixed, mobile, and microwave services. Our approach is to manage the network end-to-end, including licensing and logistics at both ends of the satellite link." Partnerships with companies in Iraq are helpful when attempting to establish operational projects, he added.

One such company was Comtech EF Data. Comtech EF Data's Advanced VSAT Solutions portfolio provides high-performance satellite-based communication solutions for a diverse range of applications including mobile backhaul, maritime and offshore networks, corporate and enterprise network, and emergency and disaster recovery.

Green has now been appointed head of security and operations in the Middle East for Hermes. In his new role Green is responsible for the security of all Hermes personnel within the Middle East. He implements audits on security companies, organizes accommodation and methods of transport, and liaises with client security companies.

"More and more expats are visiting sites in Erbil in North Iraq down to Umm Qasr in Southern Iraq," Green said, "and there is a need for command and control for those personnel visiting these areas. It is about mitigating threats of attack and being confident that all personnel can operate as safely as possible within these regions."

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