Bristow Group Inc. announced that the Netherlands Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) has awarded Bristow their prestigious contract to provide search and rescue helicopter capacity to the Netherlands Coastguard. The 10-year contract, with two one-year extension options, will commence on November 4, 2022 and involves providing the permanent availability of dedicated SAR equipped AW189 helicopters and highly qualified crews from two operational bases in the Netherlands. Bristow will also introduce new technologies such as mission management and data-link systems, enhancing the interoperability of the service with all Netherlands SAR stakeholders.

Under the contract, Bristow will provide a 24/7 all-weather search and rescue service and will be tasked by the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Den Helder. In addition, the service will aid with secondary tasks as required by the coastguard such as dealing with the aftermath of disasters, incidents, and transportation of the Maritime Incident Response Group (MIRG).