On 20th December, NOGEPA signed a contract with North Sea Helicopters Vlaanderen (NHV) for Search and Rescue (SAR) services. The contract entails provision of SAR services from 1/1/2014 and has a minimum duration of 6 months.

NHV will operate from Den Helder Airport with two AS365N (Dauphin) helicopters, supported by additional AS365N helicopters from the Botlek area. The helicopters are equipped with advanced navigation and search and rescue systems. In emergency situations, at least three helicopters can be operational simultaneously, providing the capacity to rescue crews operating in the Dutch continental shelf area.

The current contract with Bristow ends on 1 January 2014.The choice for NHV was made in close consultation with the Dutch Authorities, based on a combination of financial, health and safety and operational performance considerations.

Editor note – NOGEPA Nederlandse Olie en Gas Exploratie en Productie Associatie – or in English, the Dutch Oil and Gas Exploration and Production Association.