As the unofficial capital of the North Sea, Den Helder
is ideally situated in the middle of the wind farms off
the German and English coasts and established offshore locations such as Aberdeen, Norwich, Hamburg,
Emden and Wilhemshaven. We spoke to two of the
port’s leading lights, Conny van den Hoff, Managing
Director Den Helder Airport and Piet-Hein Kolff, CEO
Port of Den Helder, to find out how they have adapted
their services to suit the growing wind market.
PES: Welcome to PES. Perhaps you’d like to begin by explaining a little about your operation and how you service the wind industry?
Conny van den Hoff: Den Helder Airport has, over the past few years, become one of the largest offshore heliports in North-West Europe. On a daily basis, helicopters are transporting offshore personnel and freight to and from the rigs and Oil and Gas producing platforms on the Dutch part of the North Sea.
Aside from being the leading global logistics service centre for the Oil and Gas industry, Den Helder is rapidly adopting the same role in the offshore wind energy sector. This is possible thanks to the powerful combination formed by Den Helder Airport and the Port of Den Helder.
PES: Tell us about the complete supply chain you’re able to offer…
Conny van den Hoff: Approximately 180 companies work in the Oil and Gas industry in the region around Den Helder. A number of these companies have already branched out into the wind power sector. Various logistic service providers as well as shipping companies with special support vessels, a shipyard that builds Fast Crew Suppliers, a training institute that offers a complete package of safety training programs, and institutions engaged in inspection, repair, maintenance and research activities are located in and around the seaport.
The five helicopter operators based at Den Helder Airport have both capability and are receptive to contracts for transferring personnel from and to the wind parks that are located further away from the shore. Den Helder Airport also offers facilities for scheduled of charter flights for flying in spare parts and/or passengers.
