Bristow awarded Netherlands SAR contract

The Netherlands’ Defense Materiel Organisation (DMO) has awarded a 10-year contract to Bristow for the provision of search and rescue (SAR) capacity to the Netherlands Coastguard.

The contract, which begins on 4 November, covers the provision of two SAR-equipped AW189 helicopters and crew operating from two bases across the country.

One aircraft will be based out of Den Helder Airport, and the other at Midden-Zeeland Airport. Deployment of both aircraft will be carried out from the Coast Guard Center in Den Helder.

Under the contract, Bristow will also provide 24/7 all-weather SAR services, and will also carry out secondary tasks as required, such as dealing with the aftermath of disasters, incidents and transportation of the Maritime Incident Response Group (MIRG).

Bristow has said that it will also introduce new technologies such as mission management and data-link systems to enhance interoperability with other Netherlands SAR stakeholders.

“We look forward to our return to the Netherlands and providing this valuable service for the Netherlands Coastguard,” said Alan Corbett, Senior Vice President for Europe, Africa, Middle East, Asia and SAR. “We will provide a modern fleet of helicopters along with highly experienced aircrews and engineers to provide an unmatched, life-saving capability as the best value to the government.”

Bristow also provides SAR services to many other countries worldwide, in Guyana, Norway, Suriname, Trinidad, the UK and the US.