Overview

Tampnet is the leading independent offshore communications network operator in the North Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. It is headquartered in Norway, with operations in the UK, Scandinavia and the USA.

Tampnet provides high speed, low latency and resilient data connectivity offshore through an established and comprehensive network of fibre optic cables, 4G base stations, and microwave links. It operates across four main business areas: fixed installations, mobile rigs and vessels, roaming for offshore workers and international carriers. The majority of its business involves providing fixed fibre links to oil platforms.

Investment rationale

3i Infrastructure acquired 50% of Tampnet in March 2019 alongside Danish pension fund ATP, having committed to invest in July 2018.

• Tampnet’s fibre optic links provide customers with mission-critical reliable communications
• Benefits from the growing requirement for high bandwidth and low latency in data networks
• More than 50 customers including oil and gas operators, offshore service providers and telecom operators
• Opportunity to grow into new segments such as offshore wind, commercial vessels and the point-to-point carrier segment

Regulatory information 
This transaction involved a recommendation of 3i Investments plc.