With helicopter use growing in the offshore wind industry, the G+ Global Offshore Wind Health and Safety Organisation and HeliOffshore have today unveiled new recommended practice for safe helicopter operations.

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Section A - Good practice guidelines for safe helicopter operations in support of the global offshore
Section B - Good practice guidelines for safe helicopter operations in support of the global offshore wind industry
HeliOffshore Wind Farm Recommended Practice (WinReP)

Offshore wind is one of the fastest-growing energy technologies. As wind farms have multiplied, with an increasing number being built further offshore, helicopters have become integral for operational tasks such as site surveys, transfer of personnel, and maintenance and inspection.

The G+ ‘Good practice guidelines for safe helicopter operations in support of the global offshore wind industry’ and HeliOffshore ‘Wind Farm Recommended Practice’ documents set a new benchmark for offshore wind aviation safety.

A result of two years of collaboration between representatives from helicopter operators, aircraft manufacturers, energy companies, wind turbine manufacturers and industry regulators, the recommended practice helps stakeholders integrate helicopter operations safely into offshore wind projects.

Commenting, G+ General Manager Kate Harvey said:

“The harmonisation and sharing of experience that these guidelines promote will lead to real health and safety benefits, as we all continue to work tirelessly to uphold our safety performance.

“Wind industry users of helicopter services cannot simply ‘contract out’ their overall responsibility for the safety of their employees and others who may be affected by their activities, so these are fundamental resources for the services they procure.

“As offshore wind capacity grows, our commitment to operations being carried out in a safe and efficient manner remains unwavering.”... read more