Ørsted Awards CHC Helicopter Contract for Hornsea 3 Offshore Wind Farm Crew Transport

27 August 2025 – CHC Helicopter, a global leader in crew transportation and search and rescue operations, has been awarded a new contract by Ørsted to support the construction of the Hornsea 3 offshore wind farm.

Under the 21‑month contract, CHC will operate an H175 aircraft from its Humberside base to transport personnel to and from Hornsea 3, located in the North Sea 200km North-East of Grimsby, Lincolnshire in the UK. Operations will begin on 1^st March 2026.

Hornsea 3 will have a generating capacity of 2.9 GW – enough green energy to power more than 3 million 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.  

The project is expected to deliver up to £8.5 billion in economic value through the creation of thousands of high‑skilled jobs during construction and decades of operation, and supply chain investment.

It will join the record‑breaking Hornsea 1 (1.2 GW) and Hornsea 2 (1.3 GW) wind farms, which together generate enough electricity to power 2.5 million UK homes. CHC has provided crew transportation for both projects, building a trusted, long‑standing partnership with Ørsted that continues with Hornsea 3.

Efficient, reliable crew transportation is critical to keeping construction on schedule and ensuring personnel reach offshore installations safely.

Dave Grant, Commercial Director – Europe, CHC Helicopter, said, “From Hornsea 1, to 2, and now 3, CHC has been right there with Ørsted – flying crews safely to and from one of the world’s most ambitious offshore wind projects. Hornsea 3 is a landmark for UK energy, and we’re proud to play our part in delivering offshore wind at this scale.

“This partnership works because of our shared commitment to safety and operational excellence. Being trusted across all three projects speaks to the strength of that relationship and to the dedication of our frontline teams.

"Hornsea 3 is a major step toward a greener future, supporting skilled jobs, regional growth, and long-term energy security. We’re excited to continue to support Ørsted as this extraordinary project takes shape.”

This contract further strengthens CHC’s position as a trusted partner to the offshore wind sector. In addition to its work with Ørsted, CHC was selected by RWE Renewables in 2024 to provide crew transportation for the Sofia Offshore Wind Farm and has supported the construction of Dogger Bank Wind Farm – a joint venture between SSE, Equinor, and Vårgrønn – since 2023.

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