While most turbine helicopters are certified to use 50% SAF blends, the typical uplift is between 10% and 30 %. Photo: PWC
HeliService will utilise SAF-fuelled aircraft to support Vestas Baltic Eagle Wind Farm in a pilot scheme expected to last until September 2024. The project will see personnel transfers to jack-up vessels and turbines during the construction of 50 offshore wind turbines supported by HeliService AW139s and 169s fuelled with an approximate 40% blend of Sustainable Aviation Fuel provided by DCC & Shell Aviation Denmark A/S – the largest distributor of aviation fuel in Denmark. While most turbine helicopters are certified to use up to a 50% SAF blend, the current typical offering is between 10-30%. According to Vestas, CO2 savings of approximately 32% per flight are expected compared to using traditional Jet A-1 fuel.
Speaking about the project, Sune Petersen, Head of Strategy and Sustainability at DCC & Shell Aviation Denmark, said: “The delivery of SAF to Roskilde Airport, which will serve as a helicopter base during Vestas’ pilot project, marks another milestone in our efforts to support the growing demand for alternatives to conventional jet fuel. It also marks an initial step towards introducing SAF into the fuel mix for helicopter services – not only in Denmark but also on a European scale.”
Meanwhile, Oliver Freiland, CEO of HeliService, added: “Vestas’ decision to use SAF for the crew change flights demonstrates our joint commitment to operate more sustainably in terms of CO2 reduction.”
