Bristow Group was awarded a contract from the Netherlands Coastguard to provide search and rescue (SAR) helicopter services for a 10-year period with two one-year extension options. Effective November 4, the contract with the Netherlands Defense Material Organization calls for Bristow to provide dedicated SAR-equipped Leonardo AW189 helicopters and crews from two operational bases in the Netherlands on an around-the-clock basis.
The Bristow operation will be tasked by the Joint Rescue Coordination Center in Den Helder, and provide additional services as required by the Coastguard including post-disaster and incident operations, as well as transportation of the Maritime Incident Response Group.
“We look forward to re-establishing our vast SAR experience, efficiencies, and leading Target Zero safety culture to the Netherlands,” said Bristow president and CEO Chris Bradshaw. “This award confirms the differentiating value proposition we are able to bring based on our proven experience, commitment to innovation and sustainability, and enhanced capabilities that we deliver to our clients worldwide.”
In addition to the Netherlands, the Houston-based vertical lift company provides SAR services in Guyana, Norway, Suriname, Trinidad, and the U.S. Bristow also operates the HM Coastguard helicopter SAR service for the UK’s Maritime and Coastguard Agency.