Digi Business, Petronas collaborate on offshore digital transformation, enhancing operational efficiencies and workforce wellbeing

• Deployment began in 2019 as a pilot project
• Enables for crew members to have 100% mobility & to manage tasks remotely

Digi Business announced an ongoing collaboration with Petronas to equip the latter’s offshore platforms with full wireless connectivity, in line with the global energy company’s aim to have a connected platform.

In a statement, the firm said, the deployment of these highly secured private LTE networks by Digi Business which started in 2019 as a pilot project at one of Petronas’s main offshore platforms will support its efforts to drive overall operational efficiencies and elevate workforce wellbeing at the platforms.

It said the improved communication environment at the platforms will vastly benefit Petronas’s offshore workforce located across Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak. Having full high-speed connectivity coverage on the platforms means that it has 100% wireless capabilities, allowing the platform crew members to have 100% mobility and remotely manage their tasks with smart devices. 

Oil rig crew can be equipped with wearable IoT devices, keeping them connected at all times no matter where they are on the platform and be alerted of any potential hazards. Additionally, the network which enables real-time collaboration will also significantly increase productivity on the platforms.

This highly secured private LTE network provides better and more robust communications, and can turn machines into connected sensors providing real-time information. It can also help platform crews to be more efficient in performing their routines with faster and more accurate decisions, it said. Additionally, offshore crews can also now easily stay connected to what matters most to them including keeping in touch with their families, friends and colleagues.

Aadrin Azly, chief digital officer of Petronas said at the heart of every transformation, digital should always serve the interests of a business and its people. 

“Petronas is no exception to this ethos – with the ability to connect assets kilometers apart and support the low latency and high-bandwidth transfer of data, Digi’s connectivity is perfectly suited to the offshore environment while providing an indispensable lifeline with loved ones for those living and working offshore for weeks at a time,” he added. 

“Our offshore teams can take advantage of enhanced communications and Industry 4.0 capabilities to simplify asset maintenance as well as optimise costs and productivity.” 

Commenting on the partnership, CelcomDigi’s Head of Enterprise Sales, Patricia Chooi (pic) said, this collaboration underscores the company’s commitment in delivering the best digital experience that enhances the safety and wellbeing of Petronas’s employees as well as increases productivity at the offshore platforms. 

“We are proud to be part of this digitalisation journey, supporting Petronas’s efforts to connect all of its offshore platforms and facilities with innovative technology and customised digital solutions that will enhance its operational performance while maintaining a high standard of safety.”

As the digital connectivity solutions partner, Digi Business will deploy and facilitate the highly secured private LTE network to all the main offshore platforms as well as powering up a dedicated LTE core network at Petronas data centres. 

It will also provide Petronas with comprehensive services where it will manage the end-to-end network operations, field maintenance as well as providing service monitoring by highly skilled operations engineers.