With its focus on supporting the energy production industry, Belgium-based NHV Group has announced a collaboration in Taiwan with Apex Aviation. The partnership aims to provide innovative helicopter transportation services to the burgeoning offshore wind industry in Taiwan.
Given the ambitious construction and maintenance of wind farm projects in Taiwan, demand from offshore wind operators for the establishment of a helicopter-based personnel transportation and emergency rescue service has grown. While the opportunity is an attractive one, NHV has been mindful of the risks of entering a new market unprepared, and it has come to the conclusion that a partnership with a local company with shared safety values as well as long experience of the market is the right way forward, hence the partnership with Apex.
Wilson Kao, Chairman of Apex Aviation, affirmed the partnership’s potential when he explained: “Apex Aviation’s operations team in Taiwan boasts unrivalled experience in managing large-scale international helicopter projects. We are confident that the amalgamation of our team’s expertise and NHV’s extensive offshore wind experience will successfully introduce long-awaited helicopter services to the offshore wind power industry in Taiwan.”
Meanwhile, Joseph Kearton, Vice President of Strategic Development at NHV Group, added, “NHV is delighted to join forces with Apex Aviation to bring this innovative solution to the market. This collaboration will enable us to deliver a safe and reliable operation, mirroring the high standards our clients are accustomed to in the North Sea, in Taiwan. At NHV, safety remains our top priority, and we are pleased to announce that the collaboration will also encompass the provision of a helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) solution.”
In addition to the partnership between NHV Group and Apex Aviation, the companies are on the verge of announcing the involvement of two prominent domestic partners in this consortium. These partners will contribute to maintenance (MRO) and marine logistics services, offering a comprehensive solution to fulfil the evolving operational and maintenance requirements of the offshore wind power industry.
Apex and NHV are aiming for a launch date in the fourth quarter of 2024.
