Fugro launches Internet Based Survey Services
Fugro announces a major step forward with the launch of their Remote Services based on FANS technology. FANS, short for Fugro’s Advanced Navigation System, enables remote connections to offshore survey systems - either from the office or from other vessels in the offshore working area - and facilitates a new series of services, ranging from Remote Monitoring to Stand Alone Navigation with remote support and Remote QC.
Remote Monitoring is a service designed to remotely view, log and report the movement of floating objects, such as FPSOs, FSOs and TLPs and forms a further service in the family of asset management tools. Stand Alone Navigation with remote support is an on-demand navigation service developed as an alternative to traditional manned navigation services. Stand Alone Navigation is considered to be an attractive solution for non critical nearshore and offshore operations with a frequent, but non-permanent need for navigation support, on for example jack-up work barges and rigs, tug boats and support and construction vessels. Remote QC is a service providing realtime supervision and QC off offshore operations from a remote location, which can be an in-field support vessel or even an onshore office anywhere on the globe. Remote QC is carried out through a dedicated online webpage portal, the ‘Project Dashboard’, showing the status and proceedings of offshore operations and offering a general back-up solution and improved accessibility of offshore positioning systems.
FANS Technology provides the infrastructure based on internet connections on board, either via VSAT or similar communication systems and comprises both hard- and software. The hardware is formed by the FANS-box; a firewall and router which protects the survey network from other computers on board and on the internet. The software, with 128bit AES data encryption, ensures a secure connection between the office and the offshore operations.
Although the services require a permanent internet connection, data rates are relatively small. In standby mode, only a few bits per minute are sent to monitor the connection and even in full use, the system requires only 10 -20 kps of bandwith. On average less than 10 kbps is needed, a bandwidth comparable to that required for a phone call.
The benefits of the Remote Services are wide spread and can be found in improved QC capabilities, reduced HSE exposure, fewer personnel transfers to or in the offshore working area, reduced logistical challenges, greater flexibility in personnel resource planning and allocation, and zero personnel standby costs.
Fugro’s Remote Services have allready proven their successful performance in practice and will be further rolled out in the offshore survey market in the coming period. Fugro will continue her effort in improving her services and her quest for new and more efficient survey solutions.
