Enhanced Emergency Preparedness: Equinor Contracts Lufttransport RW AS for SAR Operations

Enhanced Emergency Preparedness: Equinor Contracts Lufttransport RW AS for SAR Operations

(IN BRIEF) Equinor has chosen Lufttransport RW AS to operate two new search and rescue (SAR) helicopters for the Troll and Oseberg areas, boosting helicopter capacity. Lufttransport is now the third helicopter operator eligible for Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS) assignments. The helicopters, Leonardo AW 139 models, will be operational from 2026, enhancing Equinor’s emergency response capabilities. One will be stationed at the Oseberg field center, and the other will serve as a backup at the Flesland heliport, facilitating passenger transportation to Equinor installations. The contract with Lufttransport is set to begin in early 2026, with the option for extensions.

(PRESS RELEASE) STAVANGER, 25-Jan-2024 — /EuropaWire/ —  Equinor ASA (OSE:EQNR, NYSE:EQNR), an oil, gas, wind and solar energy company active in more than 30 markets globally, has awarded Lufttransport RW AS a significant contract to operate two new search and rescue helicopters (SAR) covering the Troll and Oseberg areas. This strategic move expands the resilience of Equinor’s operations and enhances helicopter capacity in the region. Lufttransport, a Norwegian-owned company based in Tromsø, will become the third helicopter operator eligible for assignments on the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS).

Ørjan Kvelvane, Equinor’s senior vice president for joint operations support, expressed the company’s satisfaction with the selection, stating, “This contract strengthens our resilience and ensures increased helicopter capacity. Lufttransport RW AS is a Norwegian-owned company based in Tromsø, with extensive experience from operating both search and rescue helicopters and transport helicopters. We look forward to working with them,”

The two helicopters, Leonardo AW 139 machines, specifically qualified for NCS operations, will be handed over to Lufttransport RW AS in the second quarter of 2025 and are scheduled to commence operations in 2026. The AW 139 is a widely recognized helicopter model in the offshore industry, with a proven track record for search and rescue services in Sweden and the UK continental shelf, as well as for the Norwegian Air Ambulance service.

Ørjan Kvelvane highlighted the importance of this contract, saying, “We have long aimed to qualify a new helicopter model that meets the strict requirements on the NCS. The AW139 is a newer helicopter type with well-proven technology that meets high safety standards. With this contract, we get well-equipped machines capable of operating well under the conditions on the NCS, and in accordance with our safety requirements, both for search and rescue and transportation purposes.”

The new helicopters will play a crucial role in Equinor’s SAR emergency response system, conducting operations in the Troll and Oseberg area in the northern North Sea. One helicopter will be stationed at the Oseberg field center, while the other will serve as a backup SAR machine stationed at the Flesland heliport. The latter will be used for passenger transportation to and from Equinor installations, complementing the existing Sikorsky S-92 helicopters currently performing these tasks.

SAR helicopters are essential for maintaining emergency preparedness and transportation services on the NCS, as well as for emergency readiness along the entire coast, extending beyond petroleum-related assignments.

The contract awarded to Lufttransport will take effect in early 2026, with a five-year term and an option for five one-year extensions.

Qualification Process for NCS Helicopter Assignments

Companies seeking to perform SAR and/or passenger flights on the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS) must receive approval from the Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority.

To become an approved operator for Equinor, companies must undergo a rigorous qualification process, encompassing a comprehensive assessment of operational, technical, organizational, and resource-related aspects. This thorough evaluation unfolds over several stages and an extended period. Furthermore, a final “start-up verification” is conducted prior to the commencement of any contract. For Lufttransport, Equinor’s new operator, this process is slated to occur throughout 2025.

Equinor’s qualification process extends to include new helicopter types for NCS assignments, provided they are already established within the offshore industry. Environmental considerations and experience in the specific geographical area are also taken into account.

It’s noteworthy that Equinor boasts seven years of experience with AW139 helicopters, utilizing them for offshore traffic and SAR transportation in the company’s US and Brazilian operations. This helicopter model has a global production record of approximately 1300 units.

Media contact:

Sissel Rinde
Vice president Media relations
Corporate affairs
sisr@equinor.com
+47 412 60 584

SOURCE: Equinor ASA