HI Uplift: OHSUK’s new H175 and 1,000 SAR missions signal growth potential

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by Mike Stones

27 May 2025

OHSUK has taken delivery of a new customised Airbus H175 SAR helicopter.

Offshore Helicopter Services UK (OHSUK) has taken delivery of a new customised Airbus H175 helicopter and marked its 1,000th search and rescue (SAR) mission supporting the offshore energy sector.

The new helicopter joins the operator after test flights in the south of France and will be deployed on missions in the North Sea.

“The expanding of our fleets is to increase our operational resilience and ensure we are able to provide a top-quality service to our customers, underpinned by an absolute commitment to safety,” Martin Stubbs, MD, OHSUK told Helicopter Investor. Each year the operator completes about 6,300 missions, providing offshore helicopter transportation and emergency response services to the energy sector.

The latest acquisition will help OHSUK – part of Ultimate Aviation Group – grow its market share in a dynamic industry, according to the company. “By expanding the fleet, it reinforces our commitment to business resilience and providing the highest quality service to our customers,” said Stubbs. “OHSUK is in a good position and these are exciting times. We are all working hard to grow the business sustainably and expand our market share.”

‘Expand our market share’

This is the first Airbus Helicopter H175 to be acquired by the company. Its fleet is comprised of Sikorsky S-92 and Leonardo AW139 helicopters, the latter providing SAR support. Last September, the operator revealed its plan to take delivery of two Leonardo AW139s, which will spearhead its SAR fleet.

Night vision goggles will be introduced for all crew, there will be a redesign of the cabin layout and a bright blue and orange livery has been introduced. “The aircraft are part of a deal that will see the Aberdeen-headquartered operator provide SAR to the offshore energy sector for the next decade,” said the company.

So why add a H175 to the fleet now? “The H175 fits in with our existing fleet strategy, as well as having a proven track record of operating safely and efficiently in the North Sea environment,” Stubbs told us. Also, the airframe has been modified for offshore SAR missions. “The modifications have been to enable the H175 to be IOGP compliant and operate in the North Sea environment. This includes the adding of flotation aids and life rafts,” he said.

10,000 North Sea workers

The H175 acquisition follows confirmation that the company has completed its 1,000th SAR task assisting the offshore energy sector. OHSUK provides 24/7 medical emergency cover, 365 days a year for up to 10,000 workers in the North Sea. Most missions involve the emergency medical retrieval of injured or sick people.

“To have completed one thousand tasks over the past 10 years is a great achievement for the team. They often operate in very harsh conditions, helping people when they are at their most vulnerable,” said Stubbs.

“The number of tasks reinforces just how vital the SAR service is, and we draw on that experience to ensure we are constantly evolving, using the latest life-saving equipment, and are prepared to respond to incidents at any time.”

The SAR missions are coordinated by energy services company Petrofac’s Emergency Response Service Centre (ERSC) based in Aberdeen. Staffed by former emergency service workers, sharing 200 years of experience, Petrofac’s centre has received more than 12,000 calls since its launch in 2006. In addition to actual SAR requests, the calls include muster drills, exercises and real incidents.

‘New fleet elevates the service provision’

Graham Brown, crisis and response manager at Petrofac said: “Whilst we undertake emergency response on a daily basis for our clients, as the SAR tasking coordinator, we support the entire North Sea energy industry. Seeing OHSUK continually evolve with the introduction of the new fleet elevates the service provision in support of the sector’s safety commitment.”

Keith Chalmers, SAR manager added: “We have the capability to respond to a wide range of incidents to provide a high level of medical care and rescue provision, but in an extreme environment, and get them to a place of safety as quickly as possible.”

Meanwhile, Stubbs remains cautiously optimistic about business prospects. “Despite the uncertainty that all operators are facing in the North Sea, the investment in the fleets demonstrates our commitment to our customers, providing them with the highest possible quality of safety and service,” he tells us.

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