With the delivery of helicopter number six to the fleet, Belgian owned helicopter company NHV (formerly Dancopter) has extended its contract with the French oil company Total until the summer of 2020. NHV will move personnel from Esbjerg to Total's installations in the Danish part of the North Sea.

“We are extremely pleased that we can continue our service and operation for Total,” comments acting head of the Esbjerg base Allan Bech Stadum.

Almost two years ago, NHV was awarded the contract, which is popularly referred to as ‘the big North Sea contract’, by Total's predecessor, Maersk Oil. The duration of the contract was considerably shorter than the five-year plus option for another two years, which otherwise would have been common practice.

NHV in Aberdeen has now published a five-year agreement with Premier Oil. NHV already has the contract in Esbjerg, which ensures that the oil companies Hess and Ineos (formerly Dong E&P) can get their people to and from the oil fields in the North Sea. To support and strengthen the operation in the North Sea region, NHV will operate new H175 helicopters. The base at Esbjerg received its sixth H175 last weekend, and according to Allan Bech Stadum, in collaboration with the bases in Aberdeen and Dutch Den Helder, the new arrival will further solidify operations.

NHV Group employs more than 550 employees around the world with the Ardian private equity fund. Steffen Bay recently took over as executive VP, succeeding Eric van Hal. At the base in Esbjerg, Allan Bech Stadum, who was promoted from his position as flight manager, remains responsible for the day-to-day operations until a new manager is found.

The CEO of the Esbjerg base, Lars-Henrik Thorngreen, moved last year to Air Greenland, and his replacement resigned after a short time at the post. NHV is actively seeking a new boss at Esbjerg.