Powering through the wind with the Airbus H145

As the sector increasingly turns to renewable sources of energy, offshore wind emerges as a growing pillar amongst alternative ways to produce electricity. Helicopters have an important role to play in this new type of mission. In Vendée, France, helicopter operator Oya contributes to building new offshore parks off the west coast of France, using the latest version of the Airbus H145. We look at the light twin-engine helicopter’s debut as a not-to-be-missed asset for the offshore wind market. 

A new type of transfer

Over the Vendean skies, a helicopter can be seen regularly making rounds between the coast and Yeu island. This is not an unusual sight, as we’re standing in the playground of Oya Vendée Hélicoptères, the operator tasked with performing the transfers between the mainland and the island. But this time, Oya Vendée Hélicoptères’ brand new H145 is being put to another use: to enable the transfer of technicians to install the new offshore energy platform of Yeu Noirmoutier. The offshore wind park of Yeu Noirmoutier will become operational over the course of 2025, yet the construction work is already well under way to get the park ready to work in Vendée. 

Helicopters will be used during two main steps on the Yeu Noirmoutier platform: first, when building and installing the park, and then once operational, to maintain it. During the building phase, helicopters help transport technicians to and from ships, equipped with a helideck, and then take them to the park. This way, skilled professionals can work on the foundations of the platform and connect it to the necessary electric infrastructure. Although helicopters are not the only means of transport that can fulfil the need for regular transfers of personnel between the coast and the foundations of the platform, they provide an unrivalled advantage. Jean-Philippe Auneau, Head of Helicopter Offshore Operations at Oya Vendée Hélicoptères, explains: “A helicopter can sustain Sea State 6, meaning close to 4.5 metres, whilst the crew transport vessels can only operate in 1.5 metre heaves. Crew transport vessels and helicopters are very complementary solutions that enable us to increase productivity and safety, almost independently of weather conditions.”

The H145, a game changer for offshore operations

The H145 is the ideal candidate for this. With its 4 axis autopilot, Helionix suite and high visibility glass cockpit, the H145 enables operators to transport passengers with improved comfort and safety, making for a smooth flight, while reducing the pilot’s workload. Oya Vendée Hélicoptères’ fleet includes an EC135 and an H145, with both helicopters certified to perform offshore and medical evacuation (medevac) missions. Auneau adds: “The H145 is a real game changer in our offshore operations: it can accommodate more crew members and has a greater useful load. With these added capabilities, the fleet can always be on site and execute rotations when required. Coupled with our deep knowledge of the local actors, environment and regulations, we are able to save time and improve agility and flexibility, whilst maintaining the highest safety standards to transport the crews.”

The helicopter has already proven its value as an important asset to make sure the Yeu Noirmoutier offshore park begins operations right on time. One specific transfer of crews remains in all minds as a true testament to the mission capabilities of the H145. Auneau recalls: “We recently had to transfer technicians stationed on two different boats: the Pioneering Spirit, which is the biggest boat dedicated to offshore operations in the world, and the Innovation. This is an ordinary task that we tackle as the offshore park is built. However, this time, the H145 not only transferred them from the shore to the vessels, but also between the two boats. The mission marked a great success and was an impressive show of performance from this helicopter.”

Developing an emerging European market

Beyond Yeu Noirmoutier, the west coast of France is at the heart of the expansion of the offshore wind sector, with two other parks currently in development. One is located near Dieppe Le Tréport and the other in the Calvados region, next to Saint-Nazaire. Oya Vendée Hélicoptères expects delivery of its second H145 in the coming months and is on its way to become a leading French company in helicopter offshore operations, “an important feat in a market that is predominantly composed of foreign operators,” as Auneau puts it. He adds: “Our close relationship with electricity producers as well as the company building the park is a major asset in designing a long term strategy that also includes the exploitation and maintenance of the platform once finalised.” 

Oya Vendée Hélicoptères’ offshore activities will also benefit from a recent partnership with another one of Airbus’ customers: renowned public services operator Airtelis. Mutualising both operators’ resources and know-how, this partnership, named Airtelis Connect, will leverage the potential of helicopters in the offshore sector to contribute to the growth of this emerging market in France and Europe. It turns out Oya Vendée Hélicoptères and Airtelis might already have found just the right candidate for this. “The H225 is a very promising asset for offshore operations, something that we witnessed in Airtelis’ firefighting operations. The rotorcraft’s ability to transport personnel and heavy loads to the scene is just what we need in the sector right now.”