Statoil has awarded CHC Helikopter Service AS three new helicopter contracts, including offshore flights from Kristiansund and Brønnøysund, as well the search and rescue helicopter stationed on the Heidrun platform.

Statoil needs to have four transport service helicopters in Kristiansund, two in Brønnøysund, one search and rescue helicopter on Heidrun, as well as a replacement helicopter for the rescue helicopter, initially stationed in Brønnøysund.

The Kristiansund contract has a duration of five years and seven months, with start-up in July 2014. The duration of the contracts for Brønnøysund and Heidrun are five years, starting in February 2015. All three contracts have extension options for up to three years.

"Our activity level in the Norwegian Sea is high. These contracts will help make us more robust in meeting the needs for helicopter services in the area in the years to come," said Jannicke Hilland, head of joint operations in Statoil.

Statoil has reserved the right to adjust the number of helicopters during the contract period. Statoil and CHC Helikopter Service have also agreed that Statoil will have the flexibility of moving helicopters between the bases, both in the region, in the rest of the country, and possibly also internationally.

The estimated total value of the contracts is approximately $824 million, including options for extensions and contract expansions. The expansion option ensures helicopter resources for potential new platforms in the region.

The flights from Kristiansund will run to facilities including Heidrun, Åsgard A, B and C, Kristin and Njord. Flights from Brønnøysund will include destinations such as Norne. Flights to the drilling rigs in the area at any given time will come in addition to this.