[Satnews] ITC Global, provider of satellite communications to remote and harsh environments, announces that it has been awarded a multi-million dollar contract by Copenhagen, Denmark-based Maersk Drilling, which is part of Danish shipping and energy company, Maersk Group. 

The three-year contract includes VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) connectivity across more than half of Maersk Drilling’s global fleet of offshore drilling rigs, with voice and data services for remote personnel to stay connected with corporate offices and maintain business operations. The turnkey VSAT solution also includes equipment, installation, and 24/7 network monitoring and support.  ITC Global will deploy services to 9 offshore rigs spanning across the North Sea, West Africa, Gulf of Mexico and Southeast Asia, upgrading the systems on board to provide a faster service to Maersk Drilling’s rigs. Installations began in May, following the contract award, and will be completed during the fourth quarter of 2015. 

The Maersk Drilling agreement represents the latest in several global offshore communications deals awarded to ITC Global. In June, the company announced it had completed installation and commissioning of communications systems for 35 rigs in the Shelf Drilling, Ltd. fleet. 

"As the industry continues to experience some unpredictability, oil and gas customers are reviewing their partner relationships and looking for the most efficient, best overall value solutions,” said Richard Elson, Vice President Sales and Business Development, ITC Global. “While some VSAT providers are focused on consolidations and cost cuts, ITC Global has responded to the dynamics of today’s operating environment by emerging as the go-to provider, focused on reliability and technical excellence to help customers design and implement cost-efficient network solutions.”

In August, ITC Global was acquired by Panasonic Corporation of North America and now operates as an independent unit of Panasonic Avionics Corporation.