BEEMAR Supply Vessel Fleet Gains Vital Offshore Communications Capabilities with Hughes Broadband Maritime Solution

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Aug 24, 2010, 10:51 ET

GERMANTOWN, Md., Aug. 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- When BEEMAR, LLC rolled out a fleet of state-of-the-art Dynamic Positioning 2 (DP-2) Platform Supply Vessels (PSVs), they needed a global broadband maritime communications solution that could match the high-tech demands of these new vessels and of their customers. BEEMAR chose Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HUGHES) and Environmental Safety Systems International, Inc (ESSI) to fulfill this mission.

Hughes, the global leader in broadband satellite networks and services, is equipping BEEMAR's entire fleet of platform supply vessels with its fully managed maritime solution in partnership with ESSI Corporation, a systems integrator specializing in maritime industries. The comprehensive Hughes solution includes high-speed Internet access, voice, email, video, and on-board Wi-Fi. In addition to supporting critical operational communications and data exchange, the solution is an important morale-boosting amenity for the crew, providing a vital ship-to-shore link for workers who often spend weeks offshore.

"Our vessels support everything from deepwater oil production, deep shelf exploration, offshore and sub-sea construction, to seismic and special well service support. In all cases, fast Internet services are required to coordinate resources and personnel, and to enable workers to keep in touch with their families. Because Hughes manages it all for us, it's one less thing for us to worry about," said Darrel Plaisance, BEEMAR's vice president and Chief Operating Officer.

These advanced Dynamic Positioning-2 vessels use computer controls to automatically maintain the ship's position with thrusters and propellers, rather than dropping anchor. The advanced precision technology enables BEEMAR's fleet to provide offshore support to oil rigs, pipelines, surveying contractors, and other operations in the Gulf of Mexico and international markets. The Hughes solution extends satellite broadband services for BEEMAR's vessels to the Mediterranean, Red Sea, Caribbean, and off the coast of Mexico. For example, a BEEMAR DP-2 ship supporting an offshore surveying project in the Red Sea is able to transmit real-time data to the customer's Houston headquarters for analysis, greatly reducing remote staffing and travel costs. In addition, the company is able to perform remote diagnostics on critical system electronics that keep the vessels operational at sea.

"Hughes looks forward to being an integral part of BEEMAR's aggressive expansion plans," said Vinod Shukla, senior vice president, International Division, Hughes. "Communications is a key aspect of the safety-focused culture on vessels and our Hughes Broadband Maritime Solution has once again lived up to the high expectations of the crew. The use of our service on BEEMAR's high-tech vessels in the Gulf of Mexico and Red Sea/Mediterranean regions is a strong endorsement of our superior offering."

ESSI has installed gyro-stabilized maritime satellite antennas on seven of the PSV fleet to date, with five more ships under construction.

"ESSI is very proud to be servicing BEEMAR, one of the most professional and well-equipped boat companies in the region," said Mr. Kim Adams, president of ESSI Corporation. "These vessels utilize the 60cm and 1m stabilized VSAT antennas, different service plans, and sophisticated network designs, to ensure the best fit for their use and for their customers. ESSI specializes in meeting advanced requirements like these."

About BEEMAR

BEEMAR is a marine transportation company serving the needs of the Gulf of Mexico and international markets. BEEMAR is committed to the safety of its crews and the protection of the environment and has as its goal to provide a safe and dependable level of service that will set new standards for the industry. The fleet is equally at home supporting deepwater oil drilling and production, deep shelf exploration and production operations, offshore and sub-sea construction, in addition to providing geophysical/seismic, and special well service support. For additional information, please visit www.beemarllc.com.

About ESSI

Environmental & Safety Systems International Incorporated (ESSI), founded in 1991, is a global leader in the manufacturing, integration and fulfillment of Aids to Navigation (AtoN), Telemetry (SCADA), Fire, Smoke and Gas Detection, and Communications systems for the Oil & Gas and Maritime Industries. ESSI's unique GPS-enabled smart buoys and patented FaradicWave Fog Horns are deployed for the largest energy companies around the world. ESSI is headquartered in Broussard, LA, in the heart of the Gulf of Mexico energy corridor. For additional information, please visit www.essicorp.com.

About Hughes Network Systems

Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HUGHES) is the global leader in providing broadband satellite networks and services for large enterprises, governments, small businesses, and consumers. HughesNet® encompasses all broadband solutions and managed services from Hughes, bridging the best of satellite and terrestrial technologies. Its broadband satellite products are based on global standards approved by the TIA, ETSI and ITU standards organizations, including IPoS/DVB-S2, RSM-A and GMR-1. To date, Hughes has shipped more than 2.2 million systems to customers in over 100 countries. Headquartered outside Washington, D.C., in Germantown, Maryland, USA, Hughes maintains sales and support offices worldwide. Hughes is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hughes Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq: HUGH). For additional information, please visit www.hughes.com.

SOURCE Hughes Network Systems, LLC