25-May-2010 Source: HeliHub.com
In a previously unannounced contract, HeliHub.com reports that the International division of Bristow Helicopters have contracted a Super Puma for 18 months to Saipem. The helicopter is supporting their “Castoro Sei” semi-submersible pipelay vessel, which is laying part of the new Nord Stream pipeline from St Petersburg to Hamburg through the Baltic Sea in the north of Europe. The first pipe was laid on 6 April 2010 in the Swedish exclusive economic zone and construction was officially launched on 9 April 2010 at Portovaya Bay with a ceremony, which was attended by the Russian President Dmitry Medvedev
The helicopter will operate from a handful of different bases over the contract period as the vessel moves its location, and is currently flying from Visby Airport in Sweden. The “Castro Sei” has accommodation for up to 330 personnel, and the Super Puma involved is registered G-BWWI. Some sources are quoting the contract as 24 rather than 18 months, and it is known that the Super Puma left Aberdeen in late March to start work on the vessel.