Choppers axed as rig workers go out by boat

AN oil company has begun transporting workers to North Sea platforms by boat instead of helicopter – because of safety concerns.

Perenco UK confirmed yesterday that employees on two oil and gas installations will be taken by boat during the one month trial.

The trial comes following a spate of recent helicopter accidents in the North Sea over the last five years which have left 20 people dead.

Up to 40 workers at a time will be taken out using the DP Gezina accommodation vessel – which uses a fixed gangway to allow worker s on and off the installations.

Chevalier Floatels, owners of the boat, said the journey time is around double the time of helicopter flights.

Marcel Roelofs, of Chevalier Floatels, said: ‘The aim of using vessels l i ke the Gezina i s to improve safety.

‘There are several other companies we are in talks with to use these instead of helicopters to transport workers.

‘Helicopters also have problems when fog occurs.’

Journeys to the two installations during the trial are likely to take between six and eight hours by boat. The vessel offers accommodation for 40, with TV, internet and game consoles which are in every cabin.

Jake Molloy, Aberdeen-based regional organiser of the RMT Union, said offshore workers would welcome an alternative to helicopters.