Inmarsat Maritime has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Aramco to undertake trials of its 5G mesh-like network to deliver high-bandwidth connectivity to offshore operations in the Middle East Gulf.
The Viasat company has tested the technology over water in the UK and is ready to expand this to trials in harsher maritime and atmospheric environments to demonstrate a range far beyond what was previously possible.
This mesh technology is designed to provide high-speed communications while meeting the demands of the region’s climate – including extreme heat, sandstorms, wind and water evaporation – due to 5G’s improved reliability in challenging weather conditions compared with other high-bandwidth radiocommunications.
Inmarsat expects to carry out these trials during different weather conditions in the Middle East Gulf during 2024, testing the capabilities of the 5G mobile integrated access and backhaul (mIAB) network.
This will be a world-first for deployment of long-range, high-throughput mIAB far beyond the maximum 1 km range previously possible.
Inmarsat said this “technology has the potential to allow Aramco to optimise its offshore operations via the 5G mesh and enable capabilities such as intelligent remote maintenance and remote operations.
Inmarsat successfully tested this 5G mesh network in Rutland Water, UK, in February 2024, demonstrating reliable and high-throughput propagation of millimetre Wave (mmWave) signal over water.
It anticipates Aramco will use this high-throughput mIAB network for monitoring and metering using internet of things (IoT) sensors, and for remote assistance of offshore employees equipped with augmented-reality headsets, and to improve safety and security features.
“By extending high-speed connectivity to our remote and harsh offshore sites through 5G mesh technology, we aim to accelerate our plans to deploy advanced use cases under the corporate digital transformation vision,” said Aramco vice president of digital and information technology Nabil Al-Nuaim.
“This is expected to help us further optimise our operations and improve the work environment for our operators.”
This network will link oil and gas production platforms in the Middle East Gulf and provide hubs for vessel connectivity, with geostationary satellite communications as a back-up for when these support ships are out of range.
“We are committed to developing and deploying advanced technologies, such as 5G mesh technology for capitalising on our operational experience,” said Mr Al-Nuaim.
Inmarsat said its ground infrastructure has in-built cyber security and data protection.
“Our technologies provide the ingredients for a bespoke solution,” said Inmarsat Maritime president Ben Palmer. “This new 5G mesh technology will be a significant step in helping Aramco maximise site efficiency, improve sustainability, provide a better experience for crew and protect the business from cyber attacks.”
Source: https://www.rivieramm.com/news-content-hub/aramco-set-for-world-first-5g-mesh-network-trial-79914