Offshore News

[Aviafora Newsdesk]

Demand for Heavy Helicopters Outstrips Supply

Future demand for large helicopters will outstrip supply, according to a leading global rotorcraft operator.

Jonathan Baliff, chief executive of Bristow Group – which has a fleet of 212 large- and medium-size helicopters – says supply “continues to be tight”, with manufacturers’ production lines “sold out” until 2016.

And, warns chief financial officer John Briscoe, “we continue to see an overall shortage in aircraft supply compared to future demand”.


Bristow need more heavy helicopters

The increasing need has been driven by growth in deep-water offshore oil and gas exploration, which requires larger rotorcraft to service the platforms.

Although oil services businesses are attempting to invest in a disciplined way, “what Bristow and our competitors see is continued growth in tenders in global helicopter demand. In fact, in certain markets, at record pace,” said Baliff, speaking on a 6 August call to discuss the company’s first-quarter earnings.

In the period to 30 June, Bristow took delivery of nine new helicopters, including its first pair of AgustaWestland AW189s.

Additionally, the company firmed three options during the quarter which, based on company documentation, appear to be for a pair of Sikorsky S-92s and an Airbus Helicopters EC225, giving a total of 37 firm orders.

Bristow also retains options covering a further 51 helicopters, according to its stock exchange filings. These, says chief operating officer Jeremy Akel, “allow us to short-circuit lead times” if additional rotorcraft are required urgently.

Preparations for the start of search and rescue operations under the UK’s Long SAR contract are continuing, adds Baliff. Lease financing will be completed on the helicopters for the requirement – 11 AW189s and 11 S-92s – this financial year, he adds.

Delivery of the first helicopters for the contract will take place “in the next few quarters”, adds Briscoe.

Construction on two new bases in Humberside and Inverness is proceeding, and the facilities will go live next year. Overall, the company’s preparations are “on schedule and on budget”, Baliff says.

http://www.flightglobal.com/news/art...ristow-402571/

[Aviafora Newsdesk]

NHV and Blueway To Merge

Ostend, August 28th 2014

NHV and Blueway are pleased to announce that they have signed a merger agreement to create a new top-tier player in the helicopter services industry. Following this transaction, NHV will buy Blueway’s stakes owned by Reiten & Co Capital Partners and Helicopter Transportation Group. The proposed transaction is conditional on receipt of required regulatory approvals, and other customary closing conditions.

NHV and Blueway have striking similarities in activities: strategic presence in the North Sea and West Africa with a focus on the offshore industry and a shared customer base.

Over the last few years, we have formed strategic alliances including: shared hangar facilities in Norwich and Den Helder. These joint efforts have proven to be valuable for both companies. The combination of the two helicopter operators will lead to a strategically better position in the market.

The new group will form a large European-owned helicopter company with approximately 650 employees in several countries across the globe with a combined turnover of more than USD 270 million in 2013.

Our focus for the near future is to maintain and extend our customer base around the North Sea (Norway, Denmark, The Netherlands, Belgium, UK), in France, as well in Africa, starting from our existing bases (Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria).

Our group operates a diverse fleet of 59 helicopters in total (EC225, AS332L2, AS332C, AW139, EC155B1, AS365, EC145, MD Explorer, and AS350) with a solid order book of 19 helicopters (1 x EC225, 16 x EC175, 2 x AW139) over the next 3 years.

Eric Van Hal, CEO and co-shareholder of NHV, said: “We are very pleased to welcome the people of Blueway to our Group. We decided to partner with Blueway as we have been impressed by their commitment to the customers, industry knowledge and experience. We also share a common set of values and ambitions. Joining forces with Blueway provides us with a large and robust platform for our further expansion. Our goal is to serve our global customers in the safest, most reliable manner, and affording them the flexibility and human approach they deserve. This in combination with our order book of 16 next-generation EC175 will accelerate our plans to achieve our ambition of top tier player in our industry. Ardian’s support and expertise have been greatly beneficial to NHV and will help accelerate our plans to achieve our ambition of becoming a leader in our industry.”

http://www.nhv.be/Images/pdf/PR_NHV140828.pdf

[Aviafora Newsdesk]

Shell Files Revised Arctic Offshore Drilling Plan

Royal Dutch Shell PLC has filed a revised Arctic offshore drilling plan with federal regulators but says the company hasn't decided whether to return to waters off the coast of northwest Alaska in 2015.

The revised exploration plan submitted to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management in Anchorage calls for two drilling vessels to operate simultaneously in the Chukchi Sea rather than one in the Chukchi and one in the Beaufort Sea off Alaska's north Coast.

The presence of two vessels is required so one can drill a relief well in the event of damage from a blowout.

Shell Gulf of Mexico Inc.'s revised plan calls for the return of the Noble Discoverer, which performed top hole work at the company's Burger prospect in 2012. The second drilling vessel planned for the Chukchi is the Polar Pioneer, owned by Transocean Ltd., said Shell Alaska spokesman Curtis Smith.

"Today's filing is not a final decision to drill next summer, but it does preserve the option," he said by email.


The Polar Pioneer which could serve Shell off the coast of northwest Alaska next year

In 2012, Shell drilled pilot holes and dug mudline cellars in the Chukchi and Beaufort seas. The company was not allowed to drill into oil-bearing deposits because required response equipment was not on hand.

The company experienced problems in the challenging Arctic conditions, culminating with the drill vessel Kulluk running aground off an island near Kodiak as it was being towed across the Gulf of Alaska in stormy weather.

Shell chose not to drill during the short open water drilling season in 2013 or 2014, and it faces regulatory hurdles if it wants to send its drill fleet north again.

Besides obtaining necessary permits, Smith said, there has to be a resolution to the legal cloud hanging over the 2008 Chukchi lease sale. A federal appeals court in January ruled that the federal government conducted a flawed environmental review before selling $2.7 billion in Chukchi leases. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management is conducting supplemental environmental work.

In a statement, Greenpeace spokesman John Deans condemned future Shell drilling and said the company's Arctic bungling had put the region at risk.

Smith said Shell plans to fortify its fleet with more anchor handlers, new tugs, additional offshore supply vessels and an extra helicopter. The company is taking a methodical approach in making decisions, he said.

"We have to have total confidence we can execute a program safely," Smith said.

http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/s...-plan-25167691

[Aviafora Newsdesk]

NTSB Highlights Methane Emission Risks

The National Transportation Safety Board has issued a series of recommendations for helicopter operators, specifically those flying to or near oil platforms. The recommendations came as a result of several incidents and accidents that resulted from complete and partial turbine engine failures that were attributed to the ingestion of gas discharges from oil rigs.

The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE), Helicopter Safety Advisory Conference (HSAC), the American Petroleum Institute, PHI, an oil platform helicopter operator that experienced an accident in 2011, and others have issued safety alerts and recommended practices to help mitigate the risks associated with the ingestion of methane gas emitted from oil platforms. However, the NTSB has found these measures insufficient to help prevent an accident.


An ERA AW119 flies over rigs in the Gulf of Mexico

While several federal agencies regulate various aspects of the oil and natural gas industry no federal agency specifically oversees the safety of helicopter operations to and from offshore oil platforms, the NTSB said. Therefore, NTSB recommends that BSEE take on this responsibility. The agency also recommends that the BSEE, U.S. Coast Guard, and the U.S. Department of the Interior work together to develop and implement systems and procedures for oil platform operators to mitigate the risks associated with the ingestion of gas discharges.

Furthermore, the NTSB has requested that API finalizes its revisions of Recommended Practice 2L, which addresses the venting of raw gases as it relates to helicopter operations.

http://www.flyingmag.com/aircraft/he...oil-rig-safety

[Aviafora Newsdesk]

Australian Firm Wins Innovation Award for Helicopter Buoyancy System

A Western Australian company has won a national science award for developing an emergency buoyancy system for helicopters that crash into water.

The Pegasus buoyancy system developed by Rockingham-based One Atmosphere won the Australia Museum Eureka Prize for Outstanding Science in Safeguarding Australia.

The Eureka Prizes—the so-called 'Oscars of Australian science'—were announced in Sydney on Wednesday night.

The Pegasus system was developed to save the lives of crew and passengers in helicopters that either crash or have to make emergency landings in the ocean.

It works by quickly generating large amounts of gas which inflate buoyancy bags that can help raise a stricken chopper to the surface.

The lightweight system is specifically designed to counter the rapid increase in sea pressure as the aircraft sinks.

"The way we generate our gas is virtually instantaneous and we're able to produce copious of high-pressure gas, so that pushing against an increasing sea pressure is not a problem for Pegasus," One Atmosphere managing director Tim Lyons says.

"This means it can fully inflate the full volume of the bags, even if the helicopter has started to sink, and that is how it is able to arrest the sinking and return it to the surface.

"It can be manually activated if the pilots need to conduct a controlled landing on water.

"However, if the helicopter crashes into water, the system will automatically activate."

Oil and gas sector beckons

The Pegasus system was developed in conjunction with the Australian Defence Forces for use with military helicopters. But an even bigger market involves civil applications.

"The (offshore) oil and gas market is likely to be our largest market," Lyons says.

He says safety is a major concern in the oil and gas sector and recent incidents in the North Sea have prompted UK authorities to introduce new safety regulations involving helicopters transporting people to and from offshore rigs.

"Four choppers crashed or [were] ditched in the past four to five years which have caused 20 fatalities in the North Sea off Scotland," he says.

The Pegasus system is currently undergoing airworthiness certification activities with the Australian Defence Forces and the Civil Aviation Authority.

"We hope to have it ready for market within the next 18 months," Lyons says.

The Pegasus system is also a finalist in the 2014 Innovator of the Year Awards announced in November.

http://www.maritime-executive.com/ar...ies-2014-09-10

http://www.oneatmosphere.com.au/serv...n-pegasus.html

[Aviafora Newsdesk]

Gulf Helicopters Take Delivery of First Two AW189's

Gulf Helicopters (GHC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Gulf International Services, has taken delivery of the first two AW189 super medium helicopters in offshore configuration.

These are part of the 15 AW189's on order with the delivery of all aircraft scheduled for completion by 2017, a spokesman of GIS said in a communiqué to the Qatar Stock Exchange.

GHC, already a major AW139 operator, becomes the first customer in the Middle East to introduce the AW189 to operational service. GHC was also established as an AgustaWestland authorised training centre for the AW139 and AW189 in September 2013 and ordered the first AW189 Full Flight Simulator (FFS) in the region in February 2014.


GHC have taken delivery of their first two 189's

“Our recent acceptance of delivery of our first two AW 189s is based not only on our marketing strategy for the future of the company’s expansion, but also on our customers’ requests for such a helicopter size,” GHC CEO Mohamed al-Mohannadi said.

These two deliveries are in line with GHC’s expansion plans and specially cater to contracting with international oil companies outside of Qatar, which is expected to increase the company’s revenue and profitability, the spokesman said.

GHC, being one of the largest helicopter operators in the Middle East, is also building on training capabilities in general and is also developing further as an AgustaWestland Training Center and a Regional Hub, in particular.

The AW189 was designed in response to growing market demand for a versatile, affordable, multirole super medium class helicopter. The new 8.3-tonne, twin engine helicopter is optimised for long range offshore transport and SAR (search and rescue) missions and has already received over 130 orders, including options and framework agreements, in more than 10 countries from 15 customers, making it the outright market leader in its class.

The spacious cabin is configured with 16 seats as standard with the option for a high density 18 seat lay out or a long range 12 seat configuration. The cockpit design, incorporating the latest in advanced situational awareness technologies, reduces crew workload and enhances safety.

The AW189, which meets the very latest international regulatory safety requirements, is unique in having a 50 minute ‘run-dry’ capable main gear box, exceeding current certification standards and offering unmatched safety and reliability for long range offshore operations.

http://www.gulf-times.com/eco.-bus.%...helicopters

[Aviafora Newsdesk]

BSEE Reviewing Offshore Helideck Safety Standards

The US Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement is seeking public comments on a proposed rule aimed at improving safety of helideck and aviation fuel operations on fixed offshore facilities.

It specifically would like comments on whether to incorporate in its regulations certain industry and international standards for design, construction, and maintenance of offshore helidecks, as well as standards for aviation fuel quality, storage, and handling, BSEE said in an advanced notice of possible rulemaking.

BSEE also asked whether it should incorporate existing standards, with modifications, for helideck and aviation fuel systems, or develop new regulations. As an alternative, it is seeking comments on whether to require submissions on past accidents or other incidents involving helidecks, helicopters, or aviation fuel on or near fixed OCS facilities, it said.

“We know that transportation accidents account for the majority of fatalities on the OCS, and that helicopter-related accidents are a significant concern,” BSEE Director Brian Salerno said. “We are looking at our regulations to ensure that the aviation related areas over which we have jurisdiction have the benefit of rigorous safety standards.”

Comments on the proposals will be accepted for 60 days following their scheduled publication in the Sept. 24 Federal Register.

If you wish to offer feedback please contact Nick Snow at nicks@pennwell.com

http://www.ogj.com/articles/2014/09/...tforms.html

[Aviafora Newsdesk]

New Offshore Safety Group

Five of the world's biggest offshore helicopter operators are to join forces in a new safety initiative to share best practice throughout the industry.

To be based in London, Heli Offshore's board will comprise executives from Avincis, Bristow Group, CHC Helicopter, ERA Group and PHI. It will be led by Gretchen Haskins, an expert in human factors and a former safety director and board member at the UK Civil Aviation Authority and air navigation service provider NATS.

It build on the work that Avincis, Bristow and CHC have carried out as part of their Joint Operators Review into North Sea helicopter safety – an initiative set up in the wake of a fatal crash in August 2013 off the coast of Shetland.

The formal launch of Heli Offshore will take place later this month, but other operators are already being canvassed over potential membership. The initiative will additionally take over work previously carried out by the European Helicopter Operators Committee.

http://www.flightglobal.com/news/art...ush-404198/

[Aviafora Newsdesk]

Memorial Unveiled in Newfoundland, Canada

A memorial commemorating the lives of those lost in two helicopter crashes, a Universal Helicopters crash which occurred on 13th March 1985 and Cougar 491 which crashed on 12 March 2009.

The flowers started to be laid before the speeches were heard. They were white, symbols of loss, set down a few at a time beside 23 names cut into the stainless steel of a new sculpture beside Quidi Vidi Lake.

There was no real reason for the family members of those named to wait before laying their flowers. So they didn’t. They had long ago waited enough — for news, for remains, for investigations and reports.


The memorial which was unveiled on 29th September commemorating the lives of those lost in two helicopter crashes

At least a half an hour before the start of a scheduled dedication ceremony for the new memorial, commemorating victims of helicopter crashes offshore Newfoundland and Labrador, Sean Wilson snapped a photo of the sculpture at its centre.

The piece is cut with his father’s name: Jim Wilson. And he had flown in from British Columbia for the sight of it. “My Dad was on the flight in ’85,” he said, referring to a Universal Helicopters flight that went down in Placentia Bay on March 13, 1985.

His parents were split at the time and father and son a country apart. “We hadn’t known each other well. I’d only been out the summer before ... and then he died that spring.”

Before the March 12, 2009 crash of a second helicopter flight — Cougar Helicopters Flight 491 — Wilson could find little information on the crash that killed his father.

After, as a result of efforts of other family members of people lost in the Universal flight, came news stories of the earlier crash and a Facebook page. Wilson made connections. He was contacted about the coming, permanent and tangible memorial.

“They sent somebody out from the government to come and talk to me in B.C. Which was nice,” he said. He drove that provincial official around Vancouver. They discussed the memorial’s design. What it could be like. What it meant to him.

“It feels good now that people actually remember and there is some sort of memorial that we can come and see,” he said, his voice catching for a moment. God willing, there won’t be any more names to add.”

Marilyn Lythgoe’s brother, Bernard (Copper) Murphy, was killed in the 1985 crash. The lights at the base of the memorial created almost 30 years later shine on “Copper.” The name his sister noted, is how everyone knew him.

He was credited with the introduction of Lythgoe and her husband, who had worked with him at the telephone company. “He was doing their mobile phones,” she said, of why her brother was on the ill-fated flight. “We didn’t even know he was out.” The family found out with a phone call, after the crash.

“When someone’s taken from you so tragically ... those feelings never go away. You learn to live with your feelings, but they don’t go away. Even after all those years.”

Lythgoe spoke with The Telegram after the speeches, but never mentioned them. They were as expected, with touching thoughts and prayers, with kind words from the premier. “It is my sincere hope that never again will we have to add new names to this memorial,” he said.

In the crowd of about 200 was Copper Murphy’s eight-year-old granddaughter. “She is now the same age her mum was when she lost her dad,” Lythgoe said.

The helicopter memorial in St. John’s was designed by Luben Boykov and Frederick Hann and will be maintained, long term, by the City of St. John’s.

“It’s a place for acknowledgement of the accident,” said Karl Wright, whose cousin, Frank Kearney was killed in 1985. He stood with other Kearney cousins: Deanna O’Brien and Jane Critch. The latter, recalling Kearney’s quick smile, sees the memorial site as a place for reflection, on two tragedies. “Even though (his) body was found — thank God — it’s somewhere to go, to remember all of the victims.”

http://www.thetelegram.com/News/Loca...ial-unveiled/1

[Aviafora Newsdesk]

Fire on Hilcorp Baker Platform

A team of safety personnel has boarded the scorched natural gas platform in Cook Inlet that caught fire Thursday morning to get a firsthand look at the damage.

The fire at Hilcorp Alaska LLC’s Baker platform near Nikiski was contained by nightfall Thursday. Authorities on Friday said the fire that started in crew sleeping quarters didn’t cause any detectable pollution. Hilcorp shut off any gas production remotely after alarms sounded Thursday morning.

Two response vessels at the platform overnight Thursday into Friday responded to several small flare-ups though the night, according to the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation.


A fire tug sprays water on the smoking Baker gas-drilling platform in Cook Inlet off of Nikiski on Thursday, October 2

A flyover Friday morning confirmed the fire was still contained and the living quarters where the fire began were a “total loss,” according to an update around noon from the command center staffed by Hilcorp, DEC and the U.S. Coast Guard.The Nikiski Fire Department, Cook Inlet Spill Prevention and Response Inc. and Offshore Marine Services are also involved in the platform fire response. A 2-mile maritime safety zone remained in effect Friday.

The fire’s cause and the extent of the damage won’t be completely clear until investigators can board and get to work, said Hilcorp spokeswoman Lori Nelson.

But responders took a step in that direction midafternoon Friday. A four-person team two from Hilcorp, two from Nikiski Fire Department, made it to the platform, a Coast Guard spokesman said.

A Coast Guard Jay Hawk helicopter remained nearby in case the fire flared again or the platform proved unstable, Petty Officer 1st Class Shawn Eggert said. A fireboat remained on scene. The team is making sure the platform is at no risk of collapse, Eggert said.

The team was also expected to inspect critical components and systems on the platform, according to the DEC.

The platform’s gas production was minimal, and the shutdown that began Thursday morning won’t affect gas supplies to local utilities, Nelson said.

http://www.adn.com/article/20141003/...age-assessment

[Aviafora Newsdesk]

INAER Italia Awarded Cyprus Contract

INAER Aviation Italia, a provider of offshore transportation, medical emergency and rescue services and fire-fighting, has been awarded a contract for the provision of offshore transportation and medevac services by ENI Cyprus.

The two helicopters will transport passengers engaged in the exploration project in Cyprus onto the ‘Saipem 10000’ drillship which is equipped with a helipad of 27 meters diameter and a capability of 22 tons.


INAER Italia will supply two aircraft in support of Saipem's drillship off the Cyprus coast

The new service, which started last month, will also include the provision of ground services in cooperation with Skylink Services and a complete new hangar dedicated to the maintenance of the AW 139 local fleet.

“INAER Aviation Italia is proud to start this new challenging project in Cyprus which continues its long-lasting operational relationship with ENI as well as growing its international footprint,” INAER said in a statement.

Eni Cyprus, a subsidiary of Italy’s Eni, last month began drilling operation at the Block 9, on the Onasagoras prospect, hoping to strike natural gas.

http://www.offshoreenergytoday.com/e...-in-cyprus/

[Aviafora Newsdesk]

Offshore History

Historical development of deep-water drilling: The Role of Shell

http://www.offshore-mag.com/articles...hrough-p1.html

[Aviafora Newsdesk]

HeliOffshore Launched Today

A new industry safety group 'HeliOffshore' (see post #38) has officially launched today. The organisation's founding members are: Avincis, Bristow, CHC, Era and PHI. With their support, and those of future members, the group seeks to promote best practice and address priority safety issues affecting offshore helicopter operations.

The organisation's launch announcement reads as follows:

Five major helicopter operators today officially announced a new industry association – HeliOffshore – for organisations with an interest in working together on safety in offshore helicopter transport. The new association was introduced at a launch event at its offices in London.

Founded by five major helicopter operators, HeliOffshore will use cross-industry cooperation as a platform for enhancing the industry’s overall strong safety record sharing best practices, developing and applying advanced technology, and encouraging common global flight standards.

Gretchen Haskins, who was selected as HeliOffshore’s chief executive last month, said the association is open to any group with a stake in offshore helicopter flight. She said that membership is expected to include customers of helicopter services, aircraft manufacturers, service providers, technology companies, staff and passenger organisations, and government and research institutions.

Mrs. Haskins said: “HeliOffshore will work to achieve the highest levels of safety, in the air and on the ground. We want to deliver real safety benefits for the people who depend on the industry to get to and from their offshore workplaces, the crews who fly the helicopters and the teams who maintain them.”

UK Aviation Minister Robert Goodwill joined representatives of HeliOffshore founding members – Avincis, Bristow Group, CHC Helicopter, Era and PHI Inc. – and several dozen others at today’s announcement. Afterward, the association conducted its inaugural safety workshop.

HeliOffshore grew out of a joint initiative by helicopter operators that started more than a year ago, to further enhance offshore flight safety in the North Sea, as well as from work by the European Helicopter Operators Committee. While its origins are regional, HeliOffshore’s objectives are global.

“The industry will continue to compete vigorously on commercial issues, but safety is not a competitive factor,” said Mrs. Haskins. “The best way to continually improve safety standards is through cooperation.”

HeliOffshore initially will focus on six priority areas, all of which were discussed in today’s workshop:

• Automation
• Pilot monitoring
• Stabilised approaches
• Accident survivability
• Application of health and usage monitoring systems (HUMS)
• Information exchange

Mrs. Haskins is an internationally recognized expert in human factors of safety, and has an extensive record of leadership in raising aviation safety performance by increasing partnership within the global aviation safety community.

The former group director of the U.K. Civil Aviation Authority’s Safety Regulation Group and group director of safety at NATS, the main air-navigation service provider in the United Kingdom, Mrs. Haskins is a longtime champion of initiatives that improve frontline operational safety. She has also advised NATO (the North American Treaty Organisation) on human performance and critical safety systems.

William E. Chiles, who recently retired as president and CEO of Bristow after distinguished service to the industry, is the first chairman of HeliOffshore’s board of directors, which includes James Drummond, Avincis; Bill Amelio, CHC; Chris Bradshaw, ERA, and Al Gonsoulin, PHI.

About HeliOffshore

HeliOffshore, formally the International Offshore Helicopter Association, is dedicated to constantly improving offshore helicopter safety around the world. HeliOffshore was founded by five leading helicopter services operators, and membership is open to any enterprise with a stake in offshore flight – and a determination to make it ever safer. HeliOffshore will develop, share and apply best practices; create and use advanced technology; and advocate for harmonized global flight standards.

http://helioffshore.org/news/helicop...-helioffshore/

[Aviafora Newsdesk]

PHI Latest Video - 'What It Takes'

[Aviafora Newsdesk]

Second Vietnamese Oil Rig To Be Constructed

A ceremony to launch the construction of Tam Dao 05 offshore oilrig, the second locally-manufactured jack-up rig, was held in the southern province of Ba Ria- Vung Tau on October 25.

Invested by the Vietnam-Russia Oil and Gas Joint Venture (Vietsovpetro), Tam Dao 05 oilrig featuring the JU-2000E model of the American Friede and Goldman is expected to be completed within 32 months at a total cost of USD 230 million.


The Tam Dao 03 which will be similar to the 05 now under construction

The 120-metre jack-up rig weighs almost 18,000 tons when it is fully completed and can drill to a depth of 9 kilometers.

According to Vietsovpetro Director General Tu Thanh Nghia, the company is currently renting four foreign oilrigs at a total cost of USD 220 million per year. This oil rig could help reduce the cost for the company, he added.

Tam Dao 05 platform manufacturer, PetroVietnam Marine Shipyard JSC (PV Shipyard), built the first made-in-Vietnam jack-up rig, Tam Dao 03, weighing nearly 12,000 tons. Tam Dao 03 platform, including a helicopter deck, can drill as deep as 6 kilometers.

In addition, PV Shipyard also successfully upgraded Tam Dao 02 oilrig for Vietsovpetro in October, 2014.

http://www.saigon-gpdaily.com.vn/Bus.../10/111182/

[Aviafora Newsdesk]

CAPP Seeking Pathway Back to Night Flights

The association for oil companies working off Newfoundland says they want more flexibility in the time that they are allowed to fly workers to the offshore.

Jill Piccott of the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers says the companies are considering logistics before seeking approval to resume night flights.

She says they are working out details before asking offshore regulators to extend the flying day to clear occasional travel backlogs.

Night flights were suspended in 2010 during a public inquiry into offshore helicopter safety.

Lana Payne of Unifor says the union for offshore workers believes night flights are less safe and wants companies to add day trips instead.

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/bus...944702.html

[Aviafora Newsdesk]

Helistar Sign for Two AW139's

Colombia's Helistar have signed for two AW139 intermediate twin helicopters, marking the entrance of the type in the Latin American country and the first offshore AW139 in Spanish South America. These aircraft, whose delivery is expected in 2015, will be used to support the offshore OGP industry and will also have provisions to operate emergency medical service missions. The purchase agreements took place during Expodefensa 2014 in Bogotà.

With this contract, Helistar will benefit from the outstanding performance and features of the AW139, the helicopter of choice in its weights class for the transport of oil & gas workers around the world, with approximately 300 units in service or on order. Over 800 AW139s have now been ordered worldwide by approximately 220 customers with more than 700 units already in service to perform a wide range of roles including search and rescue, emergency medical services, offshore transport, VIP/corporate transport, law enforcement, homeland security and utility.

http://www.agustawestland.com/news/a...pters-colombia

[Aviafora Newsdesk]

Three New AW139's to Join Indonesian Offshore Market

AgustaWestland is pleased to announce that contracts for three AW139 intermediate twin helicopters were signed with various Indonesian operators. These aircraft which will be used to support the offshore oil and gas industry in Indonesia will be delivered in 2015 and 2016.


AgustaWestland has secured orders for three new AW139's for Indonesia's offshore market

AgustaWestland Malaysia Sdn Bhd, a wholly owned subsidiary of AgustaWestland, continues to play a major role in the regions helicopter market expanding its presence and increasing its capabilities through a continued programme of investment. The Company’s headquarters, maintenance, support and training facilities are located at Kuala Lumpur's Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport. AgustaWestland Malaysia is a Malaysian DCA approved maintenance and repair organization.

http://www.agustawestland.com/news/a...ket-new-orders

[Aviafora Newsdesk]

COHC Receives First S-92

Sikorsky today announced that China's CITIC Offshore Helicopter Company (COHC) has accepted delivery of its first S-92 helicopter. Sikorsky announced the delivery at Airshow China in Zhuhai, China.

In June of 2013, COHC and Sikorsky signed for two S-92 helicopters to be used for offshore oil and gas transportation missions. COHC is expected to receive delivery of the second S-92 helicopter in March 2015. With this delivery, Sikorsky is now the only original equipment manufacturer to be associated with all three major offshore oil providers in China.


COHC have taken delivery of their first S-92

"The S-92 helicopter is proven worldwide and certified to the latest FAA/JAA standards," said Audrey Brady, Director, S-92 Program for Sikorsky. "The S-92 will provide COHC with the modern aircraft capabilities needed to further develop its aviation and offshore oil industries."

Established in 1983, COHC is a publicly traded company based in Shenzhen, Guangdong, China, where it is the largest provider of offshore transport operations.

"China continues to be a key commercial market for Sikorsky, and we look forward to continued business with COHC," said Brady.

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-relea...275011.html

[Aviafora Newsdesk]

Bristow Delays S-76D Deliveries

Bristow Group has delayed taking delivery of seven Sikorsky S-76D helicopters until its 2016 financial year, while three of the type already handed over to the operator are yet to enter service.

Detailed in its second-quarter earnings released on 7 November, the aircraft are identified as medium helicopters scheduled for delivery in the period starting April 2015. Previous quarterly stock exchange filings had stated that the rotorcraft were due for handover in the current financial year.

Although Bristow does not identify the helicopter type in question, elsewhere in the SEC document the operator says it is in the process of simplifying the composition of its fleet. Its goal is to reduce the fleet to five types over the next 10 years – the Airbus Helicopters EC225 and EC175, AgustaWestland AW189 and Sikorsky S-92 and S-76D.


Bristow's S-76D's have yet to commence revenue-generating operations

Of these, only the 5.3t S-76D is classed by Bristow as a medium-weight helicopter.

A total of three S-76Ds were received during the final two quarters of the 2014 financial year, says Bristow, “but are not yet operating on revenue service”.

In contrast, the firm received its first AW189 in April, and that helicopter began operating commercial flights from Norwich, UK in late July.

It adds that a moderate increase in its earnings (EBITDAR) for the three months ended 30 September to $112 million, from $108 million a year earlier, was “partially offset by delays in certain new aircraft entering our fleet”. Bristow declines to elaborate on the reasons for the delay to service entry and the remaining deliveries.

Development of the S-76D was delayed by around four years, with the Pratt & Whitney Canada PW210S-powered rotorcraft finally achieving certification in October 2012. Production of the S-76C++ had ceased in July that year.

http://www.flightglobal.com/news/art...ies-405949/

[Aviafora Newsdesk]

New Immersion Suits for Canada

Gaelle Halliday of Husky Energy has spoken about the introduction of a new immersion suit for offshore helicopter passengers during the Canadian-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board’s (CNLOPB) safety conference.

“This is our Canadian suit. It is a suit designed to our standards and it’s the only one in the world which meets this standard” Halliday said.


Pamela Connolly demonstrates a new offshore flight suit at the CNLOPB offshore safety conference

New Canadian standards were recently implemented requiring changes to the safety suits. Compared to the suits previously used, Halliday said the new suits are made from light Gor-Tex material with boots made from neoprene. There are also better seals around the hands and neck to keep water out.

As the standards changed, Halliday said it was an opportunity to use new available technologies to improve the suit and also get feedback from the offshore workers as to what they wanted.

One of the recommendations from the Wells Inquiry following the crash of Cougar Flight 491 was for a better fitting suit which was more comfortable and which allowed for better movement. Along with new materials, straps and seals that make the suit better fitting, there are also 32 different sizes available.

Halliday said the people in the industry who have tried the new suit have confirmed a big difference to theold suits. “Feedback has been very positive” he said.

The new suits will be rolled out in 2015.

http://www.thetelegram.com/News/Loca...t-and-safety/1

[Aviafora Newsdesk]

Thailand Helicopter Pilot Union: "We Don't Want Foreign Helicopter Pilots in Thailand"

"The Civil Aviation department has revised some conditions and allowed foreign pilots to work in Thailand, which violates the regulation that reserves such work for locals. This has caused many local pilots to lose their jobs," Saran Siripoonphol, president of the union, said yesterday.

The union has scheduled a meeting with labour officials next month to demand that the ministry revise some conditions for work permits for foreigners that were endorsed last year by the department under the Transport Ministry.

The Civil Aviation Department allowed foreign pilots and co-pilots to work in four reserved jobs - offshore, mostly for oil platforms; sightseeing; balloons and parachutes; and executive travel.


Thailand's helicopter pilot union wants expats out!

About 50-70 foreign helicopter pilots are working in Thailand, or 30 per cent of the total. The government granted the privilege for foreign pilots to work in Thailand as part of its promotion of the aviation industry, while there was a pilot shortage years ago.

The union fears that more foreigners will come to steal its members' jobs.

In Malaysia, the government is moving against foreign pilots working in the same business, while Brazil is now hiring 100 per cent local pilots.

Many operators in Thailand prefer to hire foreign pilots because they do not want to spend Bt5 billion on two years of training to produce one pilot.

"Foreign captains usually earn double or about Bt400,000 per month compared with Bt200,000 for locals. However, operators like to use foreigners maybe because of the company's image and also the pilots' expertise," Saran said.

According to the union, nine companies are operating in the helicopter business in Thailand - Thai Aviation Service, SFS, United Off-Shore, Air Advance, Bangkok Helicopter, Siam Land, Sri Chang Flying, Minibae and Helilux. More than half of the flight-deck crew at some companies are from abroad, mostly the United States, Canada, Japan, India and the Philippines.

The union was established four years ago and now has about 30 members out of the 150 helicopter pilots in the country.

In July, the union filed a complaint to the National Council for Peace and Order, then to the Transport Ministry, on this predicament, but neither inquiry has made any progress.

The next target is the Labour Ministry.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/busi...-30248544.html

Editorial Comment:
The world's major companies and almost all the world's governments are pushing (at break-neck speed) the globalist agenda. Across the Americas, throughout Europe and even in parts of Africa and Asia the consolidation of regional bureaucracy and the harmonising of numerous government and industry standards takes place yet - we must concede to the sometimes 'lop-sided' demands of certain nation states. Brazil (for example) is not a nation in abject poverty or in anyway unable to cultivate indigenous pilot training and yet the ban on expatriates has been enforced for decades. Is it time that North America, Europe and Australia also place a prohibition on employing non-indigenous pilots. Perhaps we should take a poll from these areas on this one?

[Aviafora Newsdesk]

Offshore Satcom on Demand

For years, satcom on a rig has been 'fit and forget' - you pay a fixed monthly fee for between 256 kbps and 1.5 kbps, and then everyone in the company has to share it up. That could be all about to change.

Satellites have been getting much more powerful over the past decade, which means they can carry a lot more data - and at the same time, oil companies have been coming up with new ways to use it.

But most oil companies still manage their satcoms the way they used to, with a fixed monthly budget for a fixed throughput, of between 256 kbps and 1.5 mbps.

This might all be about to change. Oil and gas communications company Harris CapRock Communications is now offering satcoms on demand, up to 15 mbps, where a company can make a request for higher bandwidth speeds for a certain period of time, and pay for it by the hour.

The technical name for the Advanced Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) solution is 'dynamic bandwidth management (dSCPC) network architecture'. So far seven companies in the Gulf of Mexico are using it.

The service is currently available across North America, the North Sea, Africa, Brazil and the Asia Pacific.

So far most oil and gas customers have not asked for more than 10 mbps but Harris CapRock has been providing 15 mbps for customers in other sectors, such as cruise shipping.

Having a fixed cost for satcom is of course re-assuring and easy to manage, but so is the opportunity to send larger amounts of data when you need to.

You might want to switch on a faster sitcom bandwidth because you want to send a high definition video stream to onshore experts, perhaps during a complex phase of a drilling program. You might want more data if someone has an accident and onshore doctors need to make a diagnosis. Or you could use it for a short term, intense inspection program, or perhaps for sending seismic data.

The additional bandwidth can be parcelled up, so a service company working on your rig could have 512 kbps for their exclusive use and pay for it directly with Harris CapRock, rather than queue up their data with everything else the rig needs to send, or accept the IT department's judgement of which data has priority.

If they have their own satcom contract they don't need to talk to the oil company's IT department at all.

'Today, the service company is forced to take with them their own communications package, which is expense on their part, they're not using it most of the time,' says Andrew Lucas, chief technology officer of
Harris CapRock. 'They have to transport it, commission it, and take a field technician to help out.'

It is not uncommon for oil and gas companies to send urgent data back to shore by helicopter, because it is the easiest way to do it, Mr Lucas says.

The oil and gas company typically pays for the extra bandwidth on an hourly basis. The cost of bandwidth is higher when you buy by the hour than by the year (as when buying your standard bandwidth).

'But the price is reasonable,' Mr Lucas says. 'If you do something short term, you know you're going to pay more for it than if you have it over many years. People will be quite comfortable with the value it epresents.' Harris CapRock is considering tools to allow bandwidth to be increased with an online tool, he says.

When companies want more bandwidth, they inevitably want it now, not in a week's time, so fast decision making and activation is critical, Mr Lucas says.

In larger oil and gas companies, it is still typically the CIO whomakes a decision about how much to spend on satcom bandwidth, Mr Lucas says.

In smaller companies, the decision might be made by rig operations personnel. Sometimes the decision about how much to spend on satcom is made by people in charge of offshore operations, who then ask the IT department to send the formal instruction to the sitcom provider.

http://www.digitalenergyjournal.com/.../76d59465.aspx

[Aviafora Newsdesk]

Airbus Helps Develop Industry’s First Flight Crew Operating Manual

In a joint effort with offshore helicopter operators, Airbus Helicopters is developing the rotorcraft industry’s first Flight Crew Operating Manual (FCOM). The FCOM documents best practices for flight crews on Airbus Helicopters EC225 Super Pumas operating in the oil and gas industry.

The initial source document gives manufacturer guidance on enhanced operational safety and efficiency in routine situations. Further developments will address abnormal situations. Specific topics include glass cockpit operation, automated systems and crew resource management (CRM).

The initial EC225 FCOM will be followed by updates to expand the content, and additional manuals are planned for other Airbus Helicopters rotorcraft deployed in oil and gas missions, including the new EC175.

The EC225 FCOM is available on the Airbus Helicopters e-TechPub (Customer Portal), and will be offered free of charge through 2015.

http://www.aviationtoday.com/the-che...l#.VIlBNdKUcnk

[Aviafora Newsdesk]

First S-76D for Africa

Sikorsky Aircraft has announced that Titan Helicopter Group (THG) has accepted delivery of the first S-76D helicopter that will operate in Africa. The aircraft is configured for offshore service. An acceptance ceremony was held Wednesday (Dec. 17) at Associated Aircraft Group (AAG), a Sikorsky company based in Wappingers Falls, New York. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp.

The S-76D helicopter that THG will operate will be on lease from Milestone Aviation Group. Milestone has 86 Sikorsky aircraft in its fleet with 55 S-92 helicopters and 31 S-76 aircraft including four S-76D helicopters.


Africa's first S-76D will be delivered to the Titan Helicopter Group and will perform offshore duties

"The S-76D helicopter has quickly spread to various markets around the world, and Africa is another key region with many potential customers," said Ed Beyer, Vice President, Sikorsky Commercial Systems & Services. "It's always a pleasure to work with Titan as well as Milestone Aviation, and we can't wait to see how the S-76D will elevate their business."

Titan Helicopter Group (THG) was established in 1993 and is headquartered in South Africa. Its fleet currently features Sikorsky S-76 A++, S-76C and S-76C+ helicopters as well as the S-61N aircraft.

"The S-76D is the medium-sized aircraft of choice for various offshore customers in Africa, and THG is excited to be the first operator to introduce the aircraft on the continent," said Jide Adebayo, COO of Titan Helicopter Group.

"We are proud to commence a partnership with Titan Helicopter Group and help this long-standing S-76 operator expand its fleet and capabilities with the S-76D," said Robert Thor Dranitzke, Managing Director of Milestone Aviation Group. "We believe that Titan and the S-76D will achieve great success on the African continent."

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-relea...012671.html

http://www.titanhelicopters.com/

[Aviafora Newsdesk]

ERA Signs New Contracts in Gulf of Mexico

Era have today announced that they have secured contracts for three additional medium helicopters in the Gulf of Mexico. The helicopters, which include two Sikorsky S-76s and one AgustaWestland AW139, will be used to support drilling programs and various projects for three of the Company's oil and gas partners.


An ERA AW139

"Era's proven ability to consistently provide safe, efficient and reliable transportation services is further evidenced by the addition of these contracts with our oil and gas partners," said Paul White, Senior Vice President, Commercial. "Our commitment to deliver value, dedication and overall excellence in all aspects of our operating scope continues to drive growth in our domestic and international operations."

https://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/er...000667.html

[Aviafora Newsdesk]

Erickson Signs First Offshore Contract for Services in Brazil

Erickson Aircrane have announced today that the company will expand its relationship with HRT Participações em Petróleo, S.A. (“HRT”) with a two-year contract beginning Q1 2015. This signing furthers the partnership between HRT and Erickson and demonstrates Erickson’s strong market position in the South American oil and gas industry. Two Sikorsky S-76C+ helicopters will be used to transport HRT’s personnel to their off-shore rig 60 miles from Rio de Janeiro.

Brazil is expected to lead the global growth of the oil and gas market over the next several years and is anticipated to see the highest increase in ranking of the world’s oil reserves between now and 2020. Air Amazonia has been HRT’s trusted aerial service provider since 2011, and Erickson has a reputation of expertise, strong past performance and safety. This combination of attributes reinforces the company’s growing reputation within the South American oil and gas Industry.

“This contract builds on our work being executed in Ecuador, Peru and Brazil and solidifies our strategic presence in South America,” said Udo Rieder, Erickson President and CEO. “This is our first win in the off-shore oil and gas market and we look forward to continuing to expand our presence.”

http://investors.ericksonaircrane.co...&ID=2007785

[Aviafora Newsdesk]

RDC supports New R&D to Improve Offshore Helicopter Safety

The Research & Development Corporation of Newfoundland and Labrador (RDC) is investing $350,000 in two research and development projects to help personnel survive helicopter ditching or abandonment in water. These R&D projects, related to escape exits and survival skills, are being undertaken by Falck Safety Services (Canada) with funding from RDC, Petroleum Research Newfoundland & Labrador, and Falck. The total value of the projects is approximately $700,000.

"The Provincial Government remains committed to ensuring the health and safety of the province's offshore workers. One of the ways we do that is investing in projects such as these" said the Honourable Darin King, Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development and Minister Responsible for the Research & Development Corporation

The first project seeks to identify the specific human factor requirements to open a Sikorsky S-92 push-out emergency escape exit. Findings from this project may provide critical health and safety components necessary for future training guidance. The second project will investigate the effect of wave patterns on the performance and retention of sea survival skills in offshore workers. This project will provide information on optimal training conditions, and how escape and survival skills are acquired.

"This research will provide valuable incremental information to trainers, safety and survival manufacturers, and regulatory bodies. The outcomes could also be applicable globally in terms of future underwater escape training and exit design" said Glenn Janes, CEO, Research & Development Corporation

The S92 exit and sea survival research projects demonstrate Falck Safety Service Canada's ongoing examination of human performance in harsh environments.

"Ultimately, we (FSSC) want to ensure that workers return home safely to their family and friends. Thanks to the funding provided by RDC and PRNL, these projects will provide a superior understanding of the complex issues that could be faced while traveling to and from, or working, offshore. This new knowledge will then be used to develop advanced training solutions that are better suited to preparing individuals for situations that we hope they will never face." – Dr. Michael Taber, Falck Safety Services (Canada)

RDC is a provincial Crown corporation responsible for improving Newfoundland and Labrador's research and development performance. RDC works with research and development stakeholders including business, academia and government agencies and departments to make strategic investments in people, R&D opportunities, and infrastructure.

http://www.newswire.ca/en/story/1474...icopter-safety

http://www.falck.ca/en/safetyservices/

http://www.rdc.org/

[Aviafora Newsdesk]

Sikorsky Opens Houston Office

Sikorsky Aircraft, the 90-year old helicopter manufacturer, has opened an office in Houston this week in an effort to enhance its support towards its Gulf-based clients. Sikorsky's new office is based in the 'Woodlands' (a residential and corporate park) approx. 45 kms north of Houston, and will initially operate with four staff.

"Our new proximity to the Gulf of Mexico will enable us to engage more effectively with our clients" said David Martin, Sikorsky's Vice President for Energy and Oil.

As part of a wider tour, the manufacturer's S-76D passed through West Houston Airport on Friday and performed a number of demonstration flights for oil and gas clients including Shell, Hess and Respol.

The oil and gas sector represents about 25-40% of the market for large civilian helicopters, says Brandon Dobell, an analyst at William Blair, a wealth management firm. About 80 S-76 series helicopters and 50 S-92's currently operate in the Gulf.

Photos: Sikorsky's S-76D demonstrator, N7657M, as seen at West Houston Airport on 23rd January 2015, performing demonstration flights for oil and gas customers. (Photos by James Nielsen):

AN.

[Aviafora Newsdesk]

HNZ Announces New Nova Scotia Contract

HNZ are pleased to announce that they have been awarded a contract by Shell Canada to provide offshore personnel and cargo transport, medevac and search and rescue services from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. The services will be delivered by HNZ's subsidiary Canadian Helicopters Ltd, which has provided emergency medical services support to Nova Scotia's Emergency Health Services from the Halifax Stanfield International Airport since 1999.

Following a competitive tender process, the contract, which is subject to the execution of a definitive agreement, was awarded in support of Shell's "Shelburne Basin Venture Exploration Drilling Project" which is expected to commence mid-year of 2015 for a duration of approximately 260 days. The contract will utilize two leased Sikorsky S-92 aircraft for offshore personnel, cargo and medevac transport and a third leased Sikorsky S-92 for dedicated search and rescue operations. Over the term of the initial contract period, revenues are expected to be approximately CAD$20 million dollars.

HNZ's President and CEO, Don Wall, said "we are excited to expand our current aviation operations in Halifax to include this important step in supporting Shell's exploration operations offshore Nova Scotia and we appreciate the continuing confidence Shell has placed in HNZ. We look forward to providing a safe and efficient service, while expanding our capabilities in Nova Scotia into heavy offshore helicopters including a full, all weather search and rescue service, in the North Atlantic. This contract indicates success in executing our expansion and diversification strategy post-Afghanistan, and as a Canadian owned Corporation, marks the natural next step of entering the Canadian offshore oil and gas market."

http://www.newswire.ca/en/story/1477...rt-contract