CHC wins crew transfer contract for Ørsted offshore wind farm
An Airbus H175 and an AW139 will fulfil the contract (Photocredit: CHC Helicopter).
CHC Helicopter has won a new contract from renewable energy company Ørsted to support the construction of the Hornsea 3 offshore wind farm. Operations will begin on March 1st 2026.
To fulfil the 21‑month contract, CHC will deploy an Airbus H175 and an AW139 helicopter from its Humberside base to transport crew to and from the Hornsea 3 wind farm. This site is located in the North Sea 124 miles (200km) north-east of Grimsby, Lincolnshire.
Dave Grant, commercial director – Europe, CHC Helicopter said Hornsea 3 is “one of the world’s most ambitious offshore wind projects” and a landmark for UK energy. “Hornsea 3 is a major step toward a greener future, supporting skilled jobs, regional growth and long-term energy security,” he said. “We’re excited to continue to support Ørsted as this extraordinary project takes shape.” Previously, CHC supported the development of Hornsea 1 and 2 wind generation projects,
Hornsea 3 is expected to have a generating capacity of 2.9GW – enough green energy to power more than 3m UK homes. The project will make a significant contribution toward UK energy security and is a cornerstone of the UK government’s climate and clean energy targets, according to CHC.
The project is also predicted to deliver up to £8.5bn in economic value. This will arise it is said through the creation of thousands of high‑skilled jobs during construction and decades of operation and supply chain investment.
The new wind farm with join the Hornsea 1 farm, which delivers 1.2GW of power and Hornsea 2, currently generating 1.3 GW wind farms. Their combined output powers about 2.5m homes.
The new contract strengthens CHC’s position as a trusted partner to the offshore wind sector, according to the operator. Last year CHC was chosen by RWE Renewables in 2024 to provide crew transportation for the Sofia Offshore Wind Farm. Since 2023, It has also supported the construction of Dogger Bank Wind Farm – a joint venture between energy companies SSE, Equinor and Vårgrønn.
Meanwhile, Ørsted plans to commission a new service operating vessel (SOV) – the Esvagt James Blythe, which is currently under construction itself – to support the project.
Jason Ledden, senior project director, Hornsea 3 at Ørsted, said: “Our vessels for construction and commissioning activities provide the backbone for building Hornsea 3. Effective logistics are key in moving our personnel, components and equipment so construction can take place safely and efficiently.”
