HeliService to use SAF for Baltic Eagle crew transport

AW139 Volo SAF

Sustainable energy solutions provider Vestas launched a pilot project to use sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) on helicopters used to transport technicians and jack-up vessel crew to and from the Baltic Eagle wind farm during the construction phase of 50 offshore wind turbines.

Helicopter service provider HeliService will use helicopters from Leonardo flying on 40% SAF provided by DCC & Shell Aviation Denmark.

“Vestas’ decision to use SAF for the crew change flights demonstrates our joint commitment to operate more sustainably in terms of Co2 reduction. HeliService’s Leonardo helicopters powered by engines from aerospace manufacturer Pratt & Whitney are designed to operate with SAF already today,” said Oliver Freiland, CEO, HeliService.

The pilot will begin from September this year.

“This is yet another initiative through which Vestas continues to implement its sustainability strategy. There is a significant need for more sustainable solutions during these wind farms’ construction and operation phases. The potential for using SAF in offshore operations is high and we are pleased to further exploit this potential,” said Kieran Walsh, senior vice president and head of construction, Vestas.

Estimates show that SAF usage can help save 32% CO2 compared with using a standard helicopter powered by conventional jet fuel.

The company will assess the impact of the SAF following the end of the pilot project.

Baltic Eagle Wind farm, a joint project between Iberdola and Masdar, is located 30km to the northeast of Rügen island off the coast of Pomerania, Germany.

The project will have power production capacity of 476MW and will supply renewable energy to 475,000 households. The farm will host 50 wind turbines of 9.53-MW of unit power on monopiles.