NHV Group, a Belgian provider of B2B helicopter services, has been awarded a new long-term contract with Neptune Energy, an oil and gas exploration and production company, in support of its offshore Seagull Field development in the North Sea. Under the initial 18-month agreement, flights will depart from NHV's base in Aberdeen to transport passengers to the drilling rig using an H175 helicopter.

The H175 is designed to meet evolving mission needs in the oil and gas industry. NHV was the global launching customer of this platform, whose first two aircraft entered service in December 2014. NHV gradually expanded its H175 operations to bases in the North Sea and west Africa, where the aircraft has accumulated experience and gained maturity. NHV started operating out of Aberdeen at the beginning of 2016 and announced the opening of a new hangar, apron and passenger handling facilities in October 2016.

Base manager Jamie John comments: “We are delighted that Neptune Energy has decided to partner with NHV. This new contract again allows us to showcase our safe, reliable and efficient H175 services. The Seagull passengers will benefit from our state-of-the-art handling facility, whilst experiencing the comfort and safety features of the H175. We look forward to building a genuine and reliable partnership with Neptune Energy and are eager to start flying on its behalf.”

Neptune is the operator of Seagull and has a 35 per cent equity interest. Its joint venture partners are BP with 50 per cent and JAPEX with 15 per cent.