VIKING Life-Saving Equipment has entered a strategic partnership with HeliService USA, solidifying the helicopter service provider's access to fully certified personal protective equipment (PPE) to bolster safety standards across the burgeoning offshore wind industry along the US East Coast. This agreement ensures a seamless and continuous supply of ETSO-approved VIKING PPE for aircrews and service technicians engaged in turbine installation and maintenance operations.
Based in Rhode Island, HeliService USA will maintain a comprehensive inventory of VIKING PPE at Quonset Point, bolstering its capabilities to cater to regional offshore wind requirements. The agreement encompasses a wide array of protective gear, including immersion suits, aviation lifejackets, and hoisting equipment. Moreover, HeliService USA is authorized to undertake service and maintenance of VIKING PPE, adhering to ETSO ‘Part 145′ certification standards.
Bettina Kjærgaard, Global Sales Manager Offshore Wind at VIKING, expressed the significance of the partnership, stating, “This is a key strategic partnership for VIKING, a significant win in a growing market, and a strong validation of the leading position our aviation and service technician PPE has established in the offshore wind industry worldwide… It provides a highly efficient and practical solution for Vestas as the end-client by ensuring best quality PPE is always available.”
The alliance's initial implementation sees VIKING PPE being deployed to serve the needs of Vestas Wind Systems in the region. VIKING holds a frame agreement with Vestas to support airborne personnel safety across its global installations, with HeliService USA designated as the preferred supplier for Vestas in the US, ensuring seamless fulfillment of PPE requirements.
HeliService USA has been instrumental in supporting the rapid expansion of US wind farms, serving as the primary helicopter operator for offshore wind projects in the country. Leveraging its partnership with HeliService Germany, the company brings over three decades of experience to provide comprehensive support during construction and operations and maintenance (O&M) activities for offshore wind clients in the US.
Chris Campo, Director of Sales and Business Development at HeliService USA, highlighted the reliability of the partnership, stating, “Working with VIKING means that our service clients can always be assured of the highest quality PPE, while we maximize the time the products supplied are in service… Reliable partners help turn market opportunities into successes.”
The collaboration not only ensures safety compliance but also contributes to environmental sustainability by minimizing greenhouse gas emissions associated with sourcing specialized equipment from Europe. The unified approach to PPE resource management enhances operational efficiency and safety standards across Vestas' global wind turbine installations, reinforcing safety as a top priority in challenging working environments.
As the offshore wind industry continues to expand, alliances like the one between VIKING and HeliService USA play a pivotal role in enhancing safety protocols and driving sustainable growth in renewable energy development.
