Hercules Offshore Selects RigNet Communications Solutions

RigNet, Inc., a provider of managed remote communications solutions for the upstream oil and gas industry, recently announced the expansion of its contract with Hercules Offshore to provide managed remote communications to its fleet of jackup drilling rigs and U.S. Gulf of Mexico-based inland barges.

Under the previous contract, RigNet provided managed communication services to most Hercules Offshore rigs operating outside of the United States. This recent agreement expands the contract to include the company's jackup rigs and inland barges in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, including the recently-acquired rigs from Seahawk Drilling.

With managed communications solutions provided by RigNet, Hercules Offshore's remote personnel can now access critical enterprise data, voice and broadband Internet. The first Hercules Offshore jackup rigs in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico were mobilized earlier this year under the RigNet managed services solution, and the global fleet under RigNet has now grown to 48 rigs and inland barges. All rigs and barges are equipped with RigNet's turnkey managed communications solutions offering training, equipment and installation, 24/7 network monitoring and support from RigNet's Network Operations Center.

RigNet will provide managed remote communications services to Hercules Offshore's global offshore jackup fleet operating in the United States, West Africa, Middle East, India, Malaysia and Mexico, as well as the inland barge fleet operating in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. With integrated communications solutions provided by RigNet, Hercules Offshore can efficiently manage global drilling operations not only from its Houston headquarters but from remote support offices and supply bases.