Oil major Shell has put on temporary travel to its Norwegian assets after suspending CHC Helicopter flights in the wake of a North Sea crash.
The company said earlier this month the move would affect its Draugen and Knarr fields.
Helicopter operator Bristow will now provide additional flights while the Shell suspension stands.
UPDATE: North Sea helicopter crash – what we know one week on.
It is understood the first flight under this new arrangement is now underway.
There were 13 people on board the flight which crashed on its return journey from Statoil’s Gullfaks B platform to Flesland Airport.
Shell previously said it was “too early” to determine how long the decision would stay in place.
At the time a spokesman said:“Shell has with sadness followed the reports of the tragic event outside Bergen in Norway. Our thoughts and condolences go out to the families and colleagues of the victims.
“We are confident that every measure will be taken to reveal the cause of the accident and to ensure the safety of the people of our industry.
“In light of the tragic accident on Friday, A/S Norske Shell wishes to engage with CHC HS in Norway to reaffirm that all operational requirements are met to the defined standards. This process involves Shell’s global air transport assurance provider (Shell Aircraft).
“As a precaution, it is decided to temporarily suspend all CHC HS passenger flights for Shell in Norway.
“We are working to find alternative helicopter service providers to temporarily support our operations in Norway, and continue to work closely with CHC HS to complete the verification process.
“Shell continues to use CHC for offshore services globally outside Norway.”
A CHC Helicopter spokeswoman said: “CHC respects Shell Norway’s decision to temporarily suspend its flight operations and is committed to transparent and collaborative engagement with Shell Norway during this pause. We will never compromise on safety and compliance: the wellbeing of our passengers and our people remains our primary focus.”
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