The oil and gas industry has been growing steadily and is expected to be a huge economic growth driver in India in the years to come. Helicopters represent a crucial element in the industry's expansion process. Today, about 15% of India’s helicopter fleet is deployed in various roles and missions critical to the successful operation and expansion of the oil and gas sector.
From initial stages of seismic scanning and exploration, to transport and emergency assistance, helicopters have proven to be an essential vehicular tool. As oil rigs are discovered further out into the seas, helicopters with longer range capability are also increasingly needed. As India looks to accelerate its growth momentum of its oil and gas industry, seismic scanning is an important process to detect the presence of oil and gas through geophysical surveys. Such scanning missions can be carried out in the fastest and most cost-effective manner in a helicopter. One of the most popular models used for seismic scanning missions in India is the Eurocopter AS350 B3, and this model forms a significant part of many operators’ fleet.
In the day-to-day functioning of offshore oil rigs, helicopters are needed right from the initial stage of oil exploration when drilling operations begin, which can last for several weeks, before getting to know whether oil has been struck at all. They are also crucial in transporting workers and delivering supplies to and from offshore installations, in order to operate crew changes. A worker usually works for two weeks on a platform, before going back home for another two weeks. Some platforms are not equipped to accommodate workers and thus the crew has to fly in everyday to work. This exercise needs a quick, reliable, safe and a cost effective mode of transport which only a helicopter can provide.
In India, medium twin helicopters like the AS365 N3 operated by Pawan Hans are the most frequently used by Indian Oil and Gas [PY1] producing companies. However, given that some oil rigs are much closer to the coast while others can be as far off as 200 [PY2] Nautical Miles from land, companies are increasingly using helicopters that are more adapted to their needs like the Eurocopter EC145T2 for short range commuting; or the EC225 which is a 11-tonne heavy twin-engine that can seat up to 19 passengers and can cover over 400 Nautical Miles.
In addition to operational abilities, helicopters are also extremely crucial in times of emergency. Should an accident occur on an offshore platform and urgent evacuation is needed, helicopters are certainly the only means of transportation to rely on for a fast response.
To answer the varying needs of oil and gas producers, helicopter manufacturers like Eurocopter has developed a wide range of helicopters to meet these needs. As part of its long-term strategy, this leading helicopter manufacturer has also focused the research and innovation, to continuously develop products dedicated to specific missions and catering to industry needs, with an emphasis on performance, safety, technology and assistance equipment. The best example is the introduction of the EC175 which is currently in production. A seven-tonne medium twin-engine helicopter, the EC175 is the first helicopter “designed with customers”, where extensive end-user advice and consultation with oil and gas companies and offshore operators was done to develop an optimum machine with the latest state-of-the art technology.
With the openings of new rigs planned for the next many years, the oil and gas industry is poised to remain a key driver of the Indian economy. Times are rife for helicopter manufacturers with their diverse fleet and commitment to the Indian market, to take on the challenge as the action unfolds.
From initial stages of seismic scanning and exploration, to transport and emergency assistance, helicopters have proven to be an essential vehicular tool. As oil rigs are discovered further out into the seas, helicopters with longer range capability are also increasingly needed. As India looks to accelerate its growth momentum of its oil and gas industry, seismic scanning is an important process to detect the presence of oil and gas through geophysical surveys. Such scanning missions can be carried out in the fastest and most cost-effective manner in a helicopter. One of the most popular models used for seismic scanning missions in India is the Eurocopter AS350 B3, and this model forms a significant part of many operators’ fleet.
In the day-to-day functioning of offshore oil rigs, helicopters are needed right from the initial stage of oil exploration when drilling operations begin, which can last for several weeks, before getting to know whether oil has been struck at all. They are also crucial in transporting workers and delivering supplies to and from offshore installations, in order to operate crew changes. A worker usually works for two weeks on a platform, before going back home for another two weeks. Some platforms are not equipped to accommodate workers and thus the crew has to fly in everyday to work. This exercise needs a quick, reliable, safe and a cost effective mode of transport which only a helicopter can provide.
In India, medium twin helicopters like the AS365 N3 operated by Pawan Hans are the most frequently used by Indian Oil and Gas [PY1] producing companies. However, given that some oil rigs are much closer to the coast while others can be as far off as 200 [PY2] Nautical Miles from land, companies are increasingly using helicopters that are more adapted to their needs like the Eurocopter EC145T2 for short range commuting; or the EC225 which is a 11-tonne heavy twin-engine that can seat up to 19 passengers and can cover over 400 Nautical Miles.
In addition to operational abilities, helicopters are also extremely crucial in times of emergency. Should an accident occur on an offshore platform and urgent evacuation is needed, helicopters are certainly the only means of transportation to rely on for a fast response.
To answer the varying needs of oil and gas producers, helicopter manufacturers like Eurocopter has developed a wide range of helicopters to meet these needs. As part of its long-term strategy, this leading helicopter manufacturer has also focused the research and innovation, to continuously develop products dedicated to specific missions and catering to industry needs, with an emphasis on performance, safety, technology and assistance equipment. The best example is the introduction of the EC175 which is currently in production. A seven-tonne medium twin-engine helicopter, the EC175 is the first helicopter “designed with customers”, where extensive end-user advice and consultation with oil and gas companies and offshore operators was done to develop an optimum machine with the latest state-of-the art technology.
With the openings of new rigs planned for the next many years, the oil and gas industry is poised to remain a key driver of the Indian economy. Times are rife for helicopter manufacturers with their diverse fleet and commitment to the Indian market, to take on the challenge as the action unfolds.
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