New helicopter contracts from Bergen
Equinor has awarded new crew transportation contracts from Bergen to CHC Helikopter Service AS and Lufttransport RW AS.
Under the agreements, the two companies will operate a combined fleet of five helicopters to support offshore installations including Troll, Gullfaks, Oseberg, Martin Linge, Statfjord, Kvitebjørn, and Valemon.
The contracts, which have a total estimated value of NOK 4.3 billion including options, are set to commence in May 2026. They will run through December 31, 2028, with the option to extend until the end of 2030.
”The safety of everyone traveling to and from offshore work is always our highest priority. CHC and Lufttransport are experienced operators we already work with, and they know the crew transportation service and safety requirements on the Norwegian continental shelf. With these contracts, Equinor’s helicopter base in Bergen will have a safe and robust solution,” says Ørjan Kvelvane, head of Operations Support at Equinor.
CHC Helikopter Service will operate three Sikorsky S-92 helicopters under the new contracts. Two of these are currently serving Equinor from Sola and will be relocated to Bergen, made possible by the deployment of AW189 helicopters at Sola. An additional S-92, already operating on the Norwegian continental shelf, will also be assigned to the Bergen base.
Lufttransport RW AS will operate two AW139 helicopters, which will later be replaced by two new AW189 helicopters scheduled for factory delivery in 2027. The company is certified by the Civil Aviation Authority of Norway to operate both aircraft types and previously flew the AW139 for Equinor passenger transport to the Troll field from Bergen in 2024.
”Together with the operators, we are now carrying out thorough preparations for a safe and efficient start-up. We have been in dialogue for some time, and they have been able to start early with planning and secure phasing-in. Both operators have already made good progress in hiring pilots and technicians with relevant experience. Training programs are approved by the Civil Aviation Authority Norway, and they have conducted flights to several installations, including with AW139. Work on training and phasing-in will continue going forward,” Kvelvane adds.