LCI has commenced delivery of the first-ever dedicated offshore wind helicopters in the United States of America, which will be leased under long-term arrangements to HeliService USA. The Leonardo AW169 helicopters, valued at US$20 million, will be operated by HeliService USA in support of Ørsted and General Electric contracts based in Quonset, Rhode Island, and Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts.
Each helicopter is equipped with hoisting systems designed to airlift technicians to and from wind turbines, with the capability to operate across a variety of sea states.
“LCI is honoured to be enabling the USA’s first offshore wind helicopter operations, which are mission-critical and socially responsible,” said Jaspal Jandu, CEO of LCI. “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.”
“Helicopters are vital to efficient offshore wind operations,” added Michael Tosi, Managing Director, HeliService USA, “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, we look forward to supporting our customer’s offshore wind operations using these state-of-the-art assets,” added Tosi.
Image: LCI
