StatoilHydro has, in cooperation with Eni Norge, signed a contract for two helicopters of the Eurocopter EC225 type. (Photo: Norsk Helikopter)
The recently-built helicopters to be supplied are of the Eurocopter EC225 type. This type is a further development of the SuperPuma helicopters operating from Hammerfest under the current contract.
The contract will cover StatoilHydro’s and Eni’s need for helicopter services for the companies’ overall activities in the Barents Sea.
”Through this helicopter contract we have secured resources for future operations in the Barents Sea and we have reached a good and flexible solution which involves the cooperation with Eni,” says Kjell Kristoffersen, head of operations and maintenance procurements in StatoilHydro.
The helicopters will be operating under harsh conditions and StatoilHydro has given safety and quality top priority by setting requirements for new helicopter technology.
”We will apply the latest available technology in helicopter safety through this contract for new helicopters of the EC225 type for SAR and transport services in the Barents Sea,” says Trude J Haugland, head of StatoilHydro’s air transport unit.
The contract has a duration of six years and will enter into force in June 2009, with an option to extend the contract by three years.
Norsk Helikopter AS has the current contract for helicopter services at the Hammerfest base.
Due to long delivery time for helicopters from the factory, the period up to medio-2010 will be a transition period in which the service will be covered by the helicopters under the existing contract.