Bristow Group has been awarded a prestigious contract to provide search and rescue helicopter capacity to the Netherlands Coastguard by the Netherlands Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) .

The 10 year contract, with two one-year extension options, will commence on 4 November, 2022 and involves providing the permanent availability of dedicated SAR equipped AW189 helicopters and highly qualified crews from two operational bases in the Netherlands. Bristow will also introduce new technologies such as mission management and data-link systems, enhancing the interoperability of the service with all Netherlands SAR stakeholders.

Under the contract, Bristow will provide a 24/7 all-weather search and rescue service and will be tasked by the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Den Helder. In addition, the service will aid with secondary tasks as required by the coastguard such as dealing with the aftermath of disasters, incidents and transportation of the Maritime Incident Response Group (MIRG).

"We are honoured the DMO has placed its trust in Bristow with the award of this prestigious contract. We look forward to our return to the Netherlands and providing this valuable service for the Netherlands Coastguard," says senior vice president for Europe, Africa, Middle East, Asia and search and rescue Alan Corbett. "As the leading provider of government SAR services, we will provide a modern fleet of helicopters along with highly experienced aircrews and engineers to provide an unmatched, life-saving capability as the best value to the government."

"We look forward to re-establishing our vast SAR experience, efficiencies and leading Target Zero safety culture in the Netherlands," adds Bristow president and CEO Chris Bradshaw. "This award confirms the differentiating value proposition we are able to bring based on our proven experience, commitment to innovation and sustainability, and enhanced capabilities that we deliver to our clients worldwide."