During the European Maritime Day in Den Helder, Den Helder Airport was honored to present the report on the impact of helicopters and ships in the conservation of Dutch offshore wind farms to outgoing Minister Cora van Nieuwenhuizen. The report is a direct result of the repositioning of Den Helder Airport, the offshore airport of the Netherlands, within the context of energy transition, sustainability of the aviation sector and the development of the maritime cluster in North Holland North.
Den Helder Airport
After 50 years of offshore aviation for the oil and gas industry from Den Helder Airport (DHA), the current energy transition represents a major turnaround for the airport in Den Helder. The airport is working on a new business model for providing services to the offshore wind programs. In doing so, it is seeking to broaden its horizons and work in synergy with current national projects and ambitions (North Sea Agreement, Defense Policy Document, Aviation Policy Document, Airspace Review, sustainability tasks, climate legislation, etc.). DHA wants to anticipate these developments optimally.
Development offshore energy market
In order to gain more knowledge about the expected aviation for all offshore modalities between 2030 and 2050, the international research agency To70 conducted an impact study on behalf of DHA. The conclusions show, among others, that the development of an efficient logistics chain is not yet a matter of fact. A great deal of knowledge, customization and, above all, cooperation are required to maintain the Dutch vital energy sector in the North Sea economically.
Offshore centers
It is also to be expected that, as a result of the transition to offshore wind energy, in time approximately six European offshore centers will remain around the North Sea. According to the market, DHA has a number of strengths to claim a solid role in these centers.
“Besides consolidating our position offshore, we also see opportunities in the cooperation with the Navy (drones), the sustainability of the port and airport (hydrogen development) and a strategic embedding in the Maritime Cluster of Den Helder”, according to a spokesperson.
Presentation to outgoing minister Cora van Nieuwenhuizen
We asked the minister for a clear government decision to centralize offshore aviation in Den Helder in order to consolidate the Dutch position for offshore aviation. The experience of 50 years of Dutch offshore aviation and specialized employment in North Holland will thereby be preserved for an important contribution to the realization of the Dutch climate ambition.
All facilities
Den Helder Airport is equipped for the future with all the facilities of an international airport. There is air traffic control, 1.3 kilometers of ILS runway, 12 parking spots, 5 hangars, passenger and baggage control systems, terminal building, check-in counters, handling agents, security, immigration, customs, underground fuel bunkers and secured parking areas. Due to the effect of the climate agreements, the energy system in the Netherlands and the rest of the world will change dramatically towards 2050. The modern offshore helicopter has proven to be clean, safe and extremely efficient and will always be a logical, but also sustainable choice for transporting technicians and small cargo.
About Den Helder Airport
Den Helder Airport was established in the early 70s with the rise of the offshore industry on the Dutch continental shelf. In 50 years, the airport has developed into the Netherlands’ only all-round offshore aviation center. The airport is also part of the vital energy infrastructure and is the only airport in the Netherlands from where, thanks to a strict Covid-19 procedure, passengers can depart for the primary energy areas. Den Helder Airport is the primary choice for the offshore industry also because of its perfect location in relation to the wind, oil and gas fields which are located centrally and in southern parts of the North Sea.
This press release was prepared and distributed by Den Helder Airport.
