Offshore wind owner/developer EnBW has launched a tender for a helicopter service in the German North Sea for transportation of their workers and luggage in the contract period. The tender also makes mention of one-off flights involving cargo, including dangerous goods, but these appear to be the exception. Energie Baden-Württemberg AG (EnBW) is Germany’s third largest energy supplier.

A permanent chartering of a helicopter throughout the entire contract phase is not envisaged by EnBW, and the company is instead seeking a framework agreement under which they can call upon helicopter support as required across a period of seven years starting 1st April 2025.

The helicopter must be capable of performing hoist operations to winch platforms on turbines of three offshore wind farms Hohe See, Albatros, and He Dreiht as well as to service operation vessels (SOVs).

EnBW constructed the Hohe See and Albatros wind farms, which have been connected to the grid since October 2019 and January 2020 respectively, as part of a single 639.45 MW project.

The third offshore wind farm in the German North Sea is He Dreiht, which is currently under construction and is expected to become fully operational by the beginning of 2026. It is located in the immediate vicinity of the existing EnBW Hohe See

The helicopter offered will need to be approved to fly within the German and Dutch airspace as well as fulfil all statutory requirements to work as an offshore helicopter.

Located approximately 100 kilometres from the German North Sea, the offshore wind farms feature 87 Siemens Gamesa SWT-7.0-154 wind turbines.

The preferred airport is Emden but other airports are possible.

The estimated value of the framework agreement (excluding VAT) is 5 million Euros, with a maximum value given of 6 million Euros.

The deadline for the submission of requests to participate is 22 October 2024. Details here