On September 25, 2024, the DIOL project hosted a seminar at the WindEnergy Hamburg 2024 exhibition, where key stakeholders from the offshore logistics and renewable energy sectors gathered to discuss the future of green helicopter logistics and innovative drone operations. The event also marked the official launch of the North Sea Heliports Alliance (NSHA), a new beginning in collaboration between heliports serving offshore wind farms in the North Sea region.
The seminar introduced the latest advancements in sustainable logistics within the DIOL project, attracting industry leaders, aviation experts, and representatives from offshore energy companies. Susanne Kruse, CEO of Esbjerg Airport and lead beneficiary of the DIOL project, opened the event by highlighting the goals of DIOL in transforming offshore logistics through green innovations. This launch of the NSHA represents a significant step toward uniting North Sea heliports under a common platform for green and sustainable development.
The first segment of the workshop focused on the green transition in helicopter logistics, with experts discussing the implementation of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in offshore operations. Presentations from TotalEnergies, Bel Air Aviation, HeliService International and To70 showcased the steps taken toward a greener future in aviation.
In addition to the technical insights, the launch of the NSHA promises to strengthen cooperation between heliports, with new synergies and sustainable solutions. This new alliance also announced the 'Global Heliports Conference', which will take place in Copenhagen on June 17-18 2025. This event is expected to bring together global experts and stakeholders, offering a platform to further explore innovations in heliport operations and the offshore logistics sector.
The second part of the seminar shifted the focus to drone technology, where experts from Droniq, Fraunhofer IFAM, and Ørsted shared insights into the growing role of drones in offshore logistics. From overcoming legal challenges to increasing efficiency in wind farm maintenance, drone operations will have great impacts on the offshore industry.
As DIOL continues to drive innovation, the launch of the NSHA and the announcement of the Global Heliports Conference underline the importance of collaboration in achieving a sustainable and resilient future for offshore logistics.
