Aviation company LCI has begun to deliver the first dedicated offshore wind helicopters in the USA.
They will be leased under long-term arrangements HeliService USA and support a new era of sustainable energy supply in the country.
They will be operated by HeliService USA in support of Orsted and General Electric contracts based in Quonset, Rhode Island, and Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, and enable safe and efficient crew changes and wind turbine maintenance.
The Leonardo AW169 helicopters, one of which will be a factory-built new machine, are valued at over $20m and are designed to perform a wide range of mission-critical operations.
They are equipped with hoisting systems to airlift technicians to and from wind turbines and can operate across a variety of sea states.
LCI chief executive Jaspal Jandu said: “LCI is honoured to be enabling the USA’s first offshore wind helicopter operations, which are mission critical and socially responsible.
“Modern helicopters emit up to five times less CO2 per passenger compared with offshore crew transfer vessels, and they will underpin the growth of this exciting new energy future.
“We are delighted to be growing our partnership with HeliService USA. Their ability to leverage an unrivalled track record makes them a natural and trusted operator for the nascent offshore wind sector in the USA.”
HeliService USA managing director Michael Tosi added: “Helicopters are vital to efficient offshore wind operations, and we are excited to be bringing proven procedures and strong safety culture to this new clean energy industry.
“Working in partnership with LCI, and leveraging the experience of the world`s largest offshore wind helicopter operator (HeliService in Europe), we look forward to supporting our customer’s offshore wind operations using these state-of-the art assets.”