David Learmount in London
The UK Offshore Operators Association (OOA) is warning that high oil prices have led to surging demand for North Sea oil support helicopter operations which is putting a strain on resources.
Aberdeen, Scotland-based operator Bristow Helicopters says: “We have already had to turn down business because we did not have the assets available.” The company says oil companies need to “include helicopter provision earlier in their forward planning”.
Demand for services has increased as sustained high oil prices make formerly marginal fields or new exploration profitable. Major operator CHC Scotia confirms the lack of resources, but says the company has not been totally taken by surprise and was already increasing its capacity.
“There is a huge global demand for helicopters, driven by the high oil prices and increase in oil and gas activity,” says CHC. “However, whilst the market is tight, CHC Scotia has a long-term investment programme in new aircraft and a close working relationship with its customers to ensure that we anticipate and satisfy requirements.”
Bristow commercial manager Mike Duncan says it takes two years between placing an aircraft order and delivery, and crew training takes even longer. The company has 10 aircraft on order plus 13 options, but the problem is meeting demand today.
Steve Harris of the OAA says operators are doing everything they can to meet demand and the organisation has signed up 17 oil companies and suppliers to a flight-sharing scheme to ensure the best use of resources. Duncan says Bristow is trying to get more flying out of its existing fleet, but “there is only so much we can do”. He adds: “We have every reason to believe this level of demand will continue and, if it does, the situation will get worse later this year and well into 2007.”
Bristow European operations director Willie Toner says closer liaison between oil companies and helicopter operators is the key to preventing this situation re-occurring. After North Sea oil production peaked in the 1980s, demand for helicopter support flights halved and operators downsized or redeployed their resources.
Source: Flight International
