The contract means that StatoilHydro will now deploy the new EC225 Super Puma model from Eurocopters.
The new helicopter will be stationed at the Oseberg field centre. A similar SAR helicopter will be stationed in Bergen, functioning as a reserve aircraft for both the Oseberg/Troll and Tampen areas in the North Sea.
Latest safety technology
âWeâre employing the very latest helicopter safety technology when we purchase helicopters which have both a search and rescue and offshore transport role,â says Torstein Hole, senior vice president for operational development in Exploration & Production Norway.
During the summer, the former Statoil signed agreements for five helicopters of the same type. These will be used as SAR aircraft in the Tampen area and for crew change services from Bergen and Kristiansund.
The contract is effective from October 2008 until May 2016 with options of up to four years. Up until delivery at the end of 2009, current SAR helicopters will remain in service.