project brief

Red Sea Platform Link

category
client

Gulf of Suez Petroleum Company (GUPCO)

start date

August 2007

end date

September 2007

location

Red Sea

the challenge

GUPCO required a reliable communication link between offshore oil platforms and onshore facilities in the Red Sea, an area characterized by dynamic seabed conditions and limited infrastructure. WFN Strategies was engaged to deliver a hybrid solution—combining submarine fiber-optic cable and microwave systems—to ensure continuous, high-capacity connectivity essential for remote operations. Operating in a marine environment prone to strong currents, corrosive saltwater, and limited access, required precise engineering, robust system configuration, and carefully coordinated implementation.

Beyond the challenging physical environment, the project involved managing complex logistics: procurement of specialized components, strict adherence to marine regulations, and integration with GUPCO’s existing platform systems. WFN needed to maintain signal reliability, system redundancy, and installation accuracy under tight timeframes, reinforcing communication links that support vital energy operations in the region.

project goals

  • Design and specify an integrated submarine cable and microwave communication system

  • Manage procurement and quality control of specialized marine-grade components

  • Coordinate system engineering and configuration to support platform operations

  • Oversee marine deployment and commissioning processes offshore

  • Deliver a resilient, reliable communication system for GUPCO’s energy infrastructure

the result

WFN Strategies successfully delivered a fully deployed subsea cable and microwave communications system, linking offshore platforms to onshore control centers. The hybrid network enhanced operational visibility, system reliability, and data capacity, meeting GUPCO’s requirements for high-performance offshore connectivity. This project showcased WFN’s ability to engineer and implement integrated communication solutions in challenging offshore environments.

related projects

  • Feasibility and route assessment for a subsea cable crossing associated with an FPSO pipeline offshore Senegal.

  • Feasibility study for offshore FPU connectivity via subsea cable system.

  • Feasibility, engineering, and implementation support for the Nzadi Cable System—a high-capacity fiber-optic link from Luanda to Cabinda with future branch to Soyo and beyond.