Ireland’s Department of Transport has announced that Bristow is its preferred bidder for the next Irish Coast Guard (IRCG) search and rescue (SAR) contract. The 10-year contract, which may be extended for a further three years, is worth EUR670m. The contract calls for the 24/7/365 operation of four SAR bases in Sligo, Shannon, Waterford and Dublin.

In addition to the helicopter operation, the contract also calls for the provision of a fixed-wing element. However, a clause in the proposed contract allows for this element to be passed to Irish Air Corps after five years.

Details of the contract, including start date and type(s) to be employed, have not been revealed in the announcements from Bristow and the Irish Department of Transport. The maximum extension of the current contract the IRCG has with CHC Ireland will expire next year, although an exact date is yet to be revealed.

The announcement makes a hat trick of European SAR contracts for Bristow following the Nederland Kustwacht and UK HMGC SAR2G awards. Additionally, the operator has taken on operation helicopters for the Netherlands Antilles.

Following the announcement by the Irish Coast Guard, Alan Corbett, Bristow’s Chief Operating Officer, Government Services, said: “We are honoured the Irish Department of Transport has confirmed Bristow Ireland as the preferred bidder for the provision of the Irish Coast Guard Aviation Service. We will continue working closely with the Irish Department of Transport to finalise contracts and look forward to integrating our significant global experience and capabilities into this critical public service.”

 

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