Offshore Wind Flights Going Greener with SAF-Powered Helicopters
Vestas, the Danish wind turbine manufacturer with a global footprint, is stepping up its sustainability game by scaling up the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in offshore wind operations. After piloting SAF-powered helicopter transport in the Baltic Sea, the company is now expanding the initiative to the North Sea—one of Europe’s busiest offshore wind regions.
Let’s face it, offshore wind construction isn’t exactly a walk in the park. Getting technicians to and from turbines out at sea involves complex logistics and a heavy carbon footprint, especially when helicopters are part of the equation. But with SAF, Vestas is trying to cut through the carbon fog.
Baltic Sea Pilot Project: A Promising Start
In early 2024, Vestas began testing SAF in real-world conditions. They deployed a SAF-fueled helicopter to shuttle technicians during the construction of 50 offshore turbines in the Baltic Sea. According to the company, the move slashed greenhouse gas emissions by 38% compared to standard Jet-A1 fuel. That’s not just a marginal improvement—it’s a significant dent in the emissions typically associated with offshore wind logistics.
The trial not only proved that SAF can be effective, but also demonstrated its compatibility with the demanding timelines and safety standards required in offshore environments.
Moving to the North Sea: Bigger Scope, Bolder Goals
Now, Vestas is scaling the project to the North Sea, backed by a multi-year agreement with a cluster of aviation and fuel industry players. The new initiative marks a milestone for Esbjerg Airport, which is now introducing SAF into its aviation fuel supply chain for the first time.
Partners in this initiative include NHV Group, Airbus Aircraft, DCC & Shell Aviation Denmark A/S, and Esbjerg Airport—a network that brings together helicopter operators, aircraft manufacturers, fuel suppliers, and infrastructure providers. That’s a serious coalition of logistics firepower.
The objective? Cut emissions from crew-change flights that connect technicians to offshore turbines in the North Sea. All flights departing from Esbjerg will now operate using at least a 40% SAF blend—one of the highest feasible levels currently allowed under aviation standards.
What’s in the Fuel?
This isn’t your average biofuel. The SAF used in these operations is produced from biowaste materials, primarily used cooking oil (UCO). Think about that: what once fried your french fries is now flying technicians over cold North Sea waters. Talk about full-circle sustainability.
Using a 40% SAF blend brings operations close to the technical and regulatory limits for blending SAF with conventional jet fuel. While that cap might sound restrictive, it’s actually pushing the envelope of what’s currently possible in commercial aviation.
A First for Airbus H175 in Offshore Wind
Another noteworthy development? The use of the Airbus H175 helicopter model exclusively for offshore wind installation flights. This marks the first time the H175 has been deployed for this kind of work in the North Sea. Known for its long-range capabilities and high payload capacity, the H175 is well-suited to offshore logistics—but it’s never flown quite like this before.
The combination of new technology, sustainable fuel, and high-capacity aircraft opens a new chapter in the offshore wind playbook. With more offshore wind farms in the pipeline and larger turbines further from shore, reducing the carbon impact of supporting logistics is becoming more than just a nice-to-have—it’s a must.
A Signal for the Future of Offshore Logistics?
Let’s not ignore the broader context here. Offshore wind is growing fast, and so are its emissions—especially those linked to operations and maintenance. If SAF can reliably reduce emissions by 30% or more, why isn’t everyone using it?
The answer is scale, cost, and supply. SAF is still relatively expensive and not yet widely available. But moves like this one from Vestas help build the case—and the demand—that could encourage wider production and adoption.
With this initiative, Vestas isn’t just ticking a box on a corporate ESG checklist. They’re actively testing and scaling a logistics model that other players in the offshore wind and maritime industries might follow. It’s early days, but the signals are clear: SAF has a seat at the offshore logistics table.
