Equinor extended its agreement with CHC Helikopter Service to maintain personnel transport and search and rescue services in Central Norway through 2030. The extension has an estimated value of NOK 1.7 billion and covers two contract options between February 1, 2028 and January 31, 2030.
The decision ensures operational continuity in a key region for the Norwegian company’s offshore activity, where safe transport to oil and gas facilities remains a critical component of daily planning and emergency response.
Helicopter contract strengthens offshore safety in Norway
With this extension, CHC Helikopter Service will continue operating from the Kristiansund and Brønnøysund bases, in addition to maintaining the search and rescue capability associated with Heidrun. The contract makes it possible to retain the current availability of aircraft and specialized personnel throughout the entire option period.
Likewise, Equinor strengthens the predictability of its logistics operations in Central Norway. The company considers air transport of personnel to platforms and offshore facilities a basic requirement for sustaining safe operations in high-activity areas.
Operational capacity in Central Norway
The assigned fleet includes Sikorsky S-92 helicopters, a model frequently used in offshore missions for its passenger transport capacity and SAR support.
In Kristiansund, CHC will operate two passenger helicopters and one standby helicopter for search and rescue. In Brønnøysund, one passenger helicopter will be maintained that can also be used for medical evacuation. At Heidrun, coverage includes a SAR helicopter stationed at the facility.
Equinor maintains its focus on safety
Mette Ottøy, Equinor’s Senior Vice President of Joint Operations Support, noted that safe transport of personnel to and from facilities is indispensable for maintaining safe operations. She also highlighted that the extension ensures robust and predictable services in an area with a high level of activity for the company.
In addition, the agreement strengthens the relationship between Equinor and CHC Helikopter Service in Norway’s offshore oil and gas market, where air logistics plays an essential role in mobility, medical emergencies, and operational preparedness.
A key contract for offshore logistics
Equinor, a Norwegian energy company headquartered in Stavanger and majority-owned by the Norwegian state, maintains a significant presence in the country’s oil sector. This contract extension supports its operations in Central Norway and secures specialized air capacity through the end of the decade.
The combined value of the exercised options, close to NOK 1.7 billion, reflects the importance of maintaining stable air infrastructure for complex offshore operations, especially in environments where a rapid response can make the difference in industrial safety.
Source and photo: Equinor
