Belgian helicopter provider NHV Group has been awarded a significant multi-year contract, expected to start in April 2025, by Danish wind turbine support company Vestas. The Danish firm is involved in the manufacture, installation and support of the turbines. The contract will see NHV provide dedicated crew changes and hoisting operations for the offshore wind industry, using the super medium H175.

This contract marks a pivotal moment for both NHV and the helicopter industry as it makes NHV the first operator to utilise both a super medium aircraft type and the H175 helicopter exclusively for long-term support in the offshore wind sector in the North Sea.

“This collaboration with Vestas solidifies our position as a leader in the offshore wind market, as we continue to innovate with the H175 helicopter, designed to meet the growing needs of the industry,” says Bram De Backer, commercial and technical director, business unit helicopter services at NHV Group. “With wind farms moving further offshore and turbines increasing in size, the demand for larger, more capable helicopters like the H175 is growing, and we are thrilled to be driving this transformation.”

The H175 helicopter, known for its advanced safety features and operational efficiency, is ideally suited for long-range crew changes and hoisting operations, making it the perfect choice for the expanding offshore wind sector. NHV's adoption of this versatile helicopter type, represents a new era in offshore wind logistics, positioning helicopters as key players in supporting the industry’s growth.

“We are proud that the H175 is making energy transition history by contributing to the development of the North Sea wind farm industry together with NHV and Vestas. We are confident that the excellent range, payload, speed, comfort and safety of the H175 will help to streamline and secure operations at offshore bases and wind turbines,” comments Regis Magnac, vice president head of energy, leasing and global accounts at Airbus Helicopters.