The new Leonardo AgustaWestland 189 helicopters represent an important renewal of the transport solution for offshore employees. At the same time, their introduction has presented significant challenges, particularly in relation to cabin noise.

Since flights began for Equinor and Vår Energi, a number of health problems have been reported among employees who have travelled in this type of helicopter. Most of the reports concern tinnitus, but other health effects of varying severity have also been reported.

“This is a very challenging situation. The renewal of the helicopter fleet on the Norwegian continental shelf is fundamentally a positive development, but unfortunately its introduction has not been problem-free,” says Sigve Knudsen, director general of the Norwegian Ocean Industry Authority (Havtil).

Watch video of Sigve Knudsen

Noise-reduction measures have produced results

The companies have implemented a number of technical and operational measures to reduce cabin noise. These measures have helped to reduce the noise level significantly, and their effects are now being monitored over time.

“Major and important technical and operational noise-reduction measures have been implemented, significantly reducing the noise level in the cabin. We are now keen to see their effects over time,” says Knudsen.

At the same time, he emphasises that the scale of the reported health effects is a cause for concern.

“Far too many health effects were reported before the modifications were made, and we are concerned that incidents are still occurring after the measures were implemented, even though the companies are seeing reductions in both their number and severity,” he says.

Must explain its acceptability

Havtil recently met with the senior management of the companies which use the AW189 for transport to the Norwegian continental shelf.

“We have asked the companies to provide their assessment of whether the transport is acceptable. This is a very challenging matter, and all parties must work constructively to help resolve it satisfactorily,” says Knudsen.

He emphasises that Havtil is not the aviation authority and therefore does not assess technical aspects of the helicopter type itself.

“Our concern is with the employees who travel offshore for work. They must have a transport solution which safeguards both their safety and health,” he says.

The companies are responsible

According to Knudsen, the companies are responsible for ensuring the acceptable transport of personnel.

“Our job is to follow up that thorough work is being done to reduce the risk, and that the challenges are resolved in cooperation with the employees,” he says.

Havtil considers it necessary to investigate the reported health effects thoroughly in order to gain better knowledge of their possible causes.

“The health problems may have complex causal relationships. They may involve more than noise. The incidents must therefore be analysed both individually and collectively in order to understand causal relationships and uncertainties. This knowledge must then be used to implement targeted measures,” says Knudsen.

Notice of order

As part of its follow-up, Havtil has issued Equinor and Vår Energi with a notice of order and set a short deadline.

“It is urgent that we get to the bottom of this, understand it and resolve it. At the same time, we must ensure a sound transport solution for the future,” says Knudsen.