THE REGIONAL AIRPORT OF NORTH-HOLLAND-NORTH

AirmailNewsletter

May 2016

VOLUME19

EDITION22

The fact that Den Helder Airport and Port

of Den Helder are increasingly working

together is a very good thing. Economic Affairs

alderman Edwin Krijns would like to broaden

this cooperation even further: to present

Den Helder not only as a seaport and airport

but also as a knowledge port or brainport for

the maritime sector.

“Our seaport and airport are very important as

driving forces of the economy. Not only for Den

Helder itself but for the entire region. We would

also like to profile ourselves as a knowledge

port. To show that we have everything it takes

to meet the needs of the offshore oil and gas

industry and wind energy sector.” Due to the

consistently low oil prices, things are not going

well with the ports of Den Helder right now.

Alderman Edwin Krijns: “We all know that the

use of fossil energy has been reduced, only it

is now proceeding faster than expected due

to the low oil prices. Therefore, aside from

our role as a service and maintenance hub

in the oil and gas industry, we would like to

play a similar role in the wind energy sector.

Personally, I am convinced that we can do

this. Flights have already been made from Den

Helder Airport to the Gemini Offshore Wind

Farm and ships from Den Helder shipowners

are also active there. In order to expand this

position further in future we are not only

focusing on oil and gas but also on innovative

developments such as wind energy at sea.”

Think-tankTo determine how this difficult period can

be bridged and what role Den Helder can

play in the wind energy sector, a think-tank

was set up by the alderman. “It was recently

launched at Den Helder Airport. First just with

representatives from the municipality, Den

Helder Airport and Port of Den Helder. Later

also with representatives from the business

community. Together, the right steps must be

taken since we cannot afford to waste any more

time. The reputation of this think-tank precedes

us. Entrepreneurs are very happy with it and

would like to provide input. Therefore, we set

up working groups in acquisition, administrative

lobbying, preconditioned (spatial) development

and framing. With the latter, the message we

want to convey on persuasiveness wins.”

CompetitionAlderman Krijns was also surprised about

the intention of the Province of Groningen

to set up a heliport in Eemshaven. “It cannot

be the intention that two full heliports

will soon be kept afloat with government

funds. The proposed wind farms can be

operated just fine from the Den Helder

Airport. Incidentally, with our think-tank

we established a wind plan that we would

like to go ahead with. Den Helder Airport

and Port of Den Helder can facilitate this.

Therefore, during the coming period,

the Municipal Executive in Den Helder

wants to continue investing in our ports.

Even if it appears as though the odds are

against us. We just want to be ready on

time for the future. We are investing in

the port to create room for new business

establishments. We are making room for

more business activity in the seaport. We

also hope that the Kooypunt commercial

estate and the new Kooyhaven will

attract the necessary business activity.

In short, we want to show the business

community that we are pressing ahead

and have confidence in the future. We are

going to tell the complete story that Den

Helder can also be seen as a brainport

or knowledge port, where everything

is available to take optimal action.”

Airport, seaport and knowledge port

Alderman Edwin Krijns wants to press ahead quickly.

Ph

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: P

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2

Den Helder Airport

NEWSLETTER DEN HELDER AIRPORT

The joint Port meeting of the Den Helder

Port and Shipping Association (HSV), Port of

Den Helder and Den Helder Airport that was

held on Thursday, 10 March, was attended by

more than 100 people. This time, the location

was Hangar 4 at Den Helder Airport, with a

helicopter providing a fitting backdrop.

After a welcoming speech by Airport Director

Conny van den Hoff, the guest speaker

Deputy Elisabeth Post of the Province of North

Holland gave a lecture on the troublesome

energy market and on opportunities for

developing new markets. She also said that

the Province intends to offer the city of Den

Helder the chance to enter new markets.

She characterised Den Helder not only as a

seaport and airport but also as a knowledge

port and she advocated cooperation with

the ports of IJmuiden and Eemshaven.

Marijn Dijk, Head of the Shipbuilding

department of offshore company Allseas,

followed with a presentation on their fleet,

consisting of the advanced pipe-laying

vessels Lorelay, Audacia and Solitaire,

among others. He also elaborated on the

construction of the Pioneering Spirit, the

world s largest ship. Later, Allseas can use it

to remove outdated offshore platforms from

the sea and install new platforms offshore.

The last person to speak was Senior Project

Manager John Spee of Development Agency

North Holland North. He gave a presentation

on the North Sea Offshore international

business event which, after a very successful

first edition in 2015 will receive a follow-up on 2

June in Den Helder. More about this elsewhere

in this Airmail. The meeting closed with a

pleasant networking reception. The next joint

Port Meeting is planned for 1 December 2016.

ForewordThese are tense times for Den Helder Airport. Due to

the consistently low world oil prices, the offshore sector

is in dire straits and its negative effects are becoming

more and more visible for our airport. With a 7.5 percent

decline to 20,000 flight movements with a total of 134,000

passengers, 2015 was still reasonable for Den Helder Airport.

In early 2016, the recession really began to hit home, when

we experienced a decline in flight movements of nearly

20 percent over the first quarter. This is not expected to

change anytime soon. However, we are not throwing in

the towel and have focused on other markets, including

the offshore wind energy sector. We set up a think-tank

for this, together with the Municipality of Den Helder,

Development Agency North Holland North and market

parties such as Peterson, DHSS, CHC Helicopters and Port

of Den Helder. This will not only bring together all available

knowledge, but several special working groups that have

been set up will also further elaborate on the points for

action. The aim is to put Den Helder firmly on the map and

convey as broadly as possible what we have to offer here

such as seaport, airport and knowledge port. Once again

this year we will be co-organising the North Sea Offshore

international business event that will be held on 2 June in

Den Helder and we will be present at the Offshore Energy

exhibition organised in the RAI in Amsterdam on 25 and

26 October. In the meantime, we are already looking back

on a highly successful joint Port meeting that we recently

organised with Port of Den Helder and the Den Helder Port

and Shipping Association (HSV) here at Den Helder Airport.

We are also investigating whether Den Helder Airport can

become a business location for activities with drones and

whether we can work together with Eemshaven in one way

or another now that plans have been made to set up a

heliport there as well.

Once again in this edition of Airmail various interesting

people share their experiences, including the Den Helder

Economic Affairs alderman Edwin Krijns, Wim Schouwenaar

and Kees Visser on behalf of DHSS, Willem Bart from Total

E&P Nederland, Vincent Bosschaart from NHV, Jolanda

Riksman from Wanted Oil & Gas, Harry Scharloo from

neighbourhood committee “Samen Sterker” and our

graduating student Romy Salomons.

If you would like more information about our company

after reading this newsletter feel free to contact us or take

a look at www.denhelderairport.nl

Conny van den Hoff

Managing Director

www.facebook.com/denhelderairport

@DHAirport

Luchthavenweg 10A, 1786 PP Den Helder

The Netherlands

Telephone: +31 (0)223 63 56 66

Internet: www.denhelderairport.nl

E-mail: info@denhelderairport.nl

COLOPHON

The Den Helder Airport Newsletter

is distributed in a broad circulation

and is meant to inform interested

parties about the activities at and

around Den Helder Airport.

Reproducing of parts of the

content is only authorized

with source indication. The

content has been compiled at

information. No rights can be

drawn upon the content in fact.

Den Helder AirportLuchthavenweg 10A 1786 PP Den HelderThe Netherlands Telephone: +31 (0)223 635666

www.denhelderairport.nl

info@denhelderairport.nl

Editor

PAS Publicaties

Postbox 47

1760 AA Anna Paulowna

Editorial staff

Paul Schaap

Team Den Helder Airport

Production PAS Publicaties,

Anna Paulowna

Creator and print Burghout Design & Druk

Port meeting well attended

Rare birdOn 5 February, an NH90 from the Norwegian

navy paid a brief visit to Den Helder Airport. The

helicopter with serial number 1216 came from the

Reims-Prunay Airport in France and, in addition

to the pilot, had four crew members on board.

A day later, the helicopter departed for Karup,

Denmark. This NH90 is one of the fourteen

helicopters of this type that were ordered by

Norway from NH Industries, a partnership of

Airbus Helicopters, AgustaWestland and Fokker

Aerostructures. As with the Royal Netherlands

Navy, the Lynx board helicopter has been

replaced by the NH90 in Norway.

3

Den Helder Airport

NEWSLETTERDEN HELDER AIRPORT

BASE 1 • SHIPS AGENCY

Het Nieuwe Diep 221781 AC Den Helder

+31(223) 614700 (24/7)agencies@dhss.nl

BASE 2 • WAREHOUSING

Scheepmakersweg 51786 PD Den Helder

+31(223) 717320warehouse@dhss.nl

BASE 3 • AIR LOGISTICS

Luchthavenweg 10F1786 PP Den Helder

+31(223) 717311dhairport@dhss.nl

——————————— —————————————————— advertisement ——————— —————————— ———————————

We spoke with both businessmen at a stone’s

throw from Den Helder Airport, where DHSS

set up a large distribution centre (warehouse) in

2014 on the Scheepmakersweg at the Kooypunt

commercial estate. Den Helder Support

Service was founded by Wim Schouwenaar

as a shipping agency in 1997. The company

has a branch in the outer harbour and since

1998, also one at Den Helder Airport. “At the

time, we set up a freight department at the

airport and this has now become a specialised

activity for us. Beyond that we regularly rent

helicopters for companies such as Heerema

Marine Contractors, Allseas and various seismic

operators to perform crew changes offshore.

We use helicopters from CHC, NHV and Heli

Holland for this.” Via CHC, DHSS came into

contact with Siemens, which started with the

installation of the Gemini Offshore Wind Farm

to the north of Ameland and Schiermonnikoog.

“Siemens concluded a contract with CHC to

fly people and equipment to the wind turbine

installation vessel Pacific Osprey and the hotel

ship Wind Innovation. 120 to 140 people a week

are flown in from Den Helder Airport. To make

sure that everything runs smoothly, an Aviation

department had to be created. We are now the

single point of contact for Siemens or the main

link in organising the logistics of people and

equipment down to the last detail. We also take

responsibility in Eemshaven for the logistics if

for one reason or another a crew change does

not go through by helicopter. While Gemini

is being constructed, Eemshaven is serving

as the base camp of crew tender vessels.”

Business developmentTo assist DHSS in the further transition from oil

and gas to offshore wind, Wim Schouwenaar

is assisted by Business Developer Kees Visser

who has great knowledge of the offshore

wind energy sector. He has this to say about it:

“When the installation of Gemini is completed,

we will look at whether we can also play a role

in the maintenance and inspection phase of

Gemini and the nearby German wind farms.

Regarding installation projects for new wind

farms, the Netherlands will be falling into a

black hole for the next two years. Therefore we

are now looking at international opportunities,

particularly in Germany and England since a

lot is happening in this area there. Many new

wind farms are being built, and every day we are

amazed at the multitude of opportunities that

are there. That is very interesting for Den Helder.”

As far as Wim Schouwenaar is concerned, it

will not be long before a DHSS branch opens

in Eemshaven. “We already take care of the

customs clearance of the offshore support

vessels of GloMar Ship Management and

shipping companies such as Van Laar and

Groen. We are also consulting with the party

that will be setting up a Siemens office in

Eemshaven. In addition, we are negotiating

with the company that has concluded a five-

year flight contract for the transport of people

who will be responsible for the maintenance

of Gemini.” An added advantage is that, directly

or indirectly, DHSS has already been serving

for some time as an agent for the four largest

parties in Northwestern Europe that are engaged

offshore in the construction of wind farms.

Kees Visser concludes: “In the coming years a

lot will be happening in the wind energy sector

and in this new sector, we would like to take full

advantage of the knowledge and experience we

have already gained in the oil and gas industry.”

DHSS sees opportunities in the wind energy sector

The transition from oil and gas to offshore

wind was already partly made at Den Helder

Support Service (DHSS), Founder and Director

Wim Schouwenaar explains. According to

Business Developer Kees Visser there is ample

opportunity for DHSS to spread its wings in

the offshore wind sector. Both nationally and

internationally.

Wim Schouwenaar and Kees Visser are closely

monitoring developments in the wind energy

sector.

4

Den Helder Airport

NEWSLETTER DEN HELDER AIRPORT

Save the date Heldair Show Maritiem 16 September 2017

For the fourth time, Defence

Helicopter Command and

Den Helder Airport will

jointly organise a Heldair

Show Maritiem. The gates

of both De Kooy Naval Air

Station and Den Helder

Airport will open to the

public again in 2017. During this open day,

interested parties can become acquainted

with the important work that is performed

on the ground and in the air, both military

and civilian. True to tradition, young and

old will be offered an attractive programme

with a dazzling air show, a static show, an

air market and a children s village for the

youngest. Sightseeing flights can also be

made again. You are cordially invited.

Her passion is tourism in relation to the

aviation sector. These are the words of Romy

Salomons from Breezand who has tailored

her English language study in International

Tourism and Management to this. The

21-year-old student is now working at Den

Helder Airport on her graduation project,

which includes a study on the feasibility of

scheduled service between the airports of

Esbjerg, Denmark and Den Helder.

In the past, Romy Salomons wanted to be

a stewardess, but after high school she

decided on a Bachelor s degree in the

tourism sector. A study she currently follows

at the Tio University of Applied Sciences in

Amsterdam. “But in relation to the aviation

sector, previous foreign internships were

also related to this. During my first internship

on Malta, I worked for three months at

Malta Transfer. This company arranges the

transportation of tourists between airport

and hotel. I did my next internship in Prague

at Bluelink International. This is a call center

for KLM, Air France, Transavia and a few other

smaller airlines. Last year, I also took a minor

in Barcelona to learn Spanish. My great wish

was to be able to work at an airport. Every

time I drove past Den Helder Airport I toyed

with the idea: wouldn’t it be great to be able

to set up scheduled service here and be able

to play a role in it as well. One day I simply

decided to give it a try.” Romy discovered

on the Den Helder Airport site that the

possibilities for a scheduled service between

Den Helder and Aberdeen and Esbjerg were

being investigated. Her request to study the

options for a scheduled service between Den

Helder and Esbjerg as a graduation project

for her Bachelor’s degree was honoured.

InterviewsThe main question of her research is: ‘In

what way can Den Helder Airport meet the

expectations among the business markets

in the region of North Holland North and

Syddanmark concerning scheduled and

charter flights between Den Helder Airport

and Esbjerg Lufthavn?’ Romy has this to

say about the approach of her research: “I

conducted interviews with seven companies

in both Esbjerg and Den Helder. In selecting

these companies I had help from the

development agencies in Esbjerg and North

Holland North. They put me on the trail of

the oil and gas industry and offshore wind

energy sector, since most opportunities were

said to be there. I had hoped to discover

other promising sectors, but that was not the

case. Almost everyone I spoke to in Denmark

worked for companies that are active in

the wind energy sector. They were all

enthusiastic. Initially this was also the case

for companies in Den Helder, but due to

the slump in the oil and gas industry, this

quickly disappeared. However, I decided

to organise a proactive thinking session

here at the airport. The results showed

that people now have other priorities than

thinking about flying between Den Helder

and Esbjerg. Very understandable given the

current situation in the offshore industry.”

Current situationWhen asked about the further progress

of her investigation, Romy replies: “I have

now incorporated all the information I

collected in my final report. I would also

like to conduct interviews with Loganair

and a travel agency. Then I ll draw my

conclusions. After some time I have to

defend it at school and show everything I

discovered.” Romy is very happy with the

support she received for her research.

Particularly from John Spee and Bert

Cozijnsen from Development Agency North

Holland North (NHN), Conny van den Hoff

and Debbie IJlstra from Den Helder Airport,

Hans Graven from Marketair, and graduation

coach Saskia Griep. Romy hopes to

complete her research soon and expects to

receive her diploma at the end of this year.

Graduating student investigates scheduled service between Den Helder and Esbjerg

Romy Salomons is investigating the feasibility

of scheduled service between Den Helder

and Esbjerg.

• AtthesametimeastheNavyDays,another

major Sail event will be organised in Den

Helder from 22 to 25 June 2017. This event

will be dedicated to water, sailing and

nautical history. Willemsoord, the former

shipbuilding and repair yard of the Royal

Netherlands Navy in the city centre of Den

Helder, will be the festive focus of the event.

For more information: saildenhelder2017.nl

• InearlyApril,JacobaBolderheijstarted

as CEO of the port company Port of Den

Helder. Before then, she worked for five

years as Commercial Manager of one of the

fastest growing deep-sea ports in the Middle

East, Sohar Port & Freezone in Oman. This

is a partnership between the government of

Oman and Port of Rotterdam.

• On25January,PortofDenHelder

launched the development of Kooyhaven,

a stone s throw from Den Helder Airport.

The port project is being carried out by

De Vries & van de Wiel and Dura Vermeer.

This port-related business park, which is

being constructed along the North Holland

Canal, will give a strong boost to the local

economy of Den Helder after delivery.

• IncollaborationwiththeHighFlyers

Foundation, a High Flyers Day will be

organised again at Den Helder Airport on

1 October. This day will give a number of

seriously ill or disabled children, ranging in

age from 6 to 17, an unforgettable day full of

adventure. A day without worries, when they

will be able to operate an aircraft, among

other things.

NEWS IN BRIEF

5

Den Helder Airport

NEWSLETTERDEN HELDER AIRPORT

Base Manager Vincent Bosschaart in front

of one of the two new H175 helicopters.

He is highly enthusiastic about the H175

helicopter, which was specially developed

for use in the offshore industry. Two of these

machines are flown from Den Helder Airport,

Vincent Bosschaart, Base Manager at NHV,

explains. The same is true from Aberdeen,

where the Belgian helicopter operator started

at the beginning of this year. Dauphin AS365N

helicopters are also used from Den Helder

Airport for SAR operations and patient transport

from the Frisian Islands.

The high expectations from the new type

H175, designed and built by Airbus Helicopters,

are more than fulfilled, according to Vincent

Bosschaart. “Starting in December 2014, we

have been flying with two of these aircraft

for Wintershall Noordzee and that suits our

customer very well. But the offshore workers

we transport are also extremely positive, just

like the pilots and the engineers who perform

the maintenance. It is a well-thought-out

concept, partly because it was developed in

collaboration with the customers who are

active offshore. It is a very reliable aircraft

with a lot of power. Reliability is at 97 percent,

which is unique for an aircraft that has just

been introduced. The helicopter is equipped

with two Pratt & Whitney PT6C-67E engines

that together provide an output of 3,600 hp.

Should one of the engines fail, the other has

sufficient power to take over. This puts the H175

in the highest PC1 performance class. Sixteen

passengers can be transported with the aircraft.

Eighteen is also possible, although cramped.

The cabin is relatively quiet. The noise level is

just below 80 decibels. That makes it possible

to communicate without headphones. Given

the many positive reactions, I can say that this

is the helicopter of the future in the offshore

industry. It will truly conquer the market.”

If you add together all the hours that have

been flown with the H175 helicopters from

Den Helder Airport and Aberdeen, this type has

already flown more than 3,700 hours without a

problem. Aside from the two H175 helicopters,

NHV also flies from Den Helder Airport with an

H155 for customers in the offshore industry.

SAR operationsAt a later date, NHV is considering taking a

number of the sixteen H175 helicopters that

have been ordered in a Search And Rescue

(SAR) configuration. According to the Base

Manager, this depends on whether more SAR

contracts will be concluded in future. Starting

in early 2014, the helicopter operator has

been conducting SAR activities for the Dutch

government. First through several 6-month

contracts, but starting on 1 July 2015 based on

a 5-year contract with two options for one-

year extensions. It is managed through the

Coast Guard. “We fly from Den Helder Airport

with two SAR Dauphin AS363N helicopters.

We also do the same from our location

at the Pistoolhaven in Rotterdam. In 2015,

we conducted some 130 SAR flights. Very

unusual was the evacuation of a sick baby

from a coaster that was bound for Portugal.

We couldn’t hoist up with a stretcher; we

had to do it with a large leather bag. The

child was transferred to a hospital and is now

doing well. On 1 April in the evening hours,

we also evacuated nine offshore workers

from the Helder-A production platform

complex when there was a threat of being

struck by the beamer UK 19 that was adrift.”

Patient transportAnother special task of NHV is the transport

of patients from the Frisian Islands. This work

was previously done by the Royal Netherlands

Air Force, but they stopped last year. “One of

our two SAR aircraft is equipped for patient

transport. This helicopter comes into action

almost daily. Recently, we even had three

such flights on one day in addition to two

SAR flights. Patient transport involves women

who are giving birth, older people who sustain

fractures from falling, and people with head

injuries, among other things. We usually

transfer them to hospitals in Groningen and

Leeuwarden and sometimes to Sneek. These

flights usually last only half an hour to an hour.

They are also managed by the Coast Guard.

We started with this type of transport in August

of last year. It is a temporary assignment for

us, which runs until August of this year.”

Merger with BluewayAfter working for seventeen years with the

Royal Netherlands Navy, Vincent Bosschaart

started working with NHV in Den Helder in

February 2014. First as Operations Manager and

since January of this year as Base Manager. He

succeeded Jamie John, who now works for

NHV’s new base in Aberdeen. Divided over the

Oil & Gas and SAR departments, NHV offers

work to 65 people at Den Helder Airport. The

main office of the helicopter operator is in

the Belgian city of Oostende. In December

2014, NHV announced a merger with Blueway.

This created a company with 650 employees,

an air fleet of more than 60 helicopters and

a turnover of USD 270 million. DanCopter

(now NHV Danmark), Airlift and Vertech have

also belonged to the NHV Group since then.

“In Europe, we now have offices in Belgium,

The Netherlands, France, Denmark, England,

Bulgaria and Norway. We are also present

in Ghana, Senegal and Ivory Coast. In fact,

two new H175 helicopters also go to Ghana

to perform offshore flights. After Oostende,

the office at Den Helder Airport is one of the

largest. Personally, I find working here very

enjoyable. There is good cooperation with

Den Helder Airport and the other parties.

There are short lines, great flexibility and

everyone is very direct. That’s what I like.”

NHV flies with helicopter of the future

Ph

oto

: To

tal

6

Den Helder Airport

NEWSLETTER DEN HELDER AIRPORT

He went offshore by helicopter for the first

time in 1980. More than 35 years later, Willem

Bart, Installation Supervisor at the K5 gas

production complex of Total E&P Nederland in

the Dutch sector of the North Sea, believes that

flying to his work is no longer exciting. Still, he

is always vigilant when it comes to safety.

Willem Bart’s offshore career started at the age

of 21 for one of NAM’s contractors. “As a result,

in 1980, I initially ended up on the Seafox 1 jack-

up platform and the K15-FB-1 gas production

platform in the Dutch sector of the North Sea.

That lasted until 1983. I remember that we flew

from the municipal heliport that was constructed

at a location near the current Marinapark in

Den Helder. This took place with S61N and

S76 Sikorskys from KLM Northsea Helicopters.”

After his first time offshore Willem got a land

job as an operator at the Petroland gas station

in Middenmeer. This company now operates

under the banner of Total. In 1987 he was

offshore again. “I went to work as an operator

on the L7 complex and its satellite platforms.” In

those years, Willem also experienced the major

refit of the L4-A and L7-B platforms. “At that

time, all the platforms were automated one by

one and we worked one week on, one week

off.” Through the years, Willem worked himself

up to Installation Supervisor, in other words

the boss of a gas production complex with its

associated satellites. First at the L7 complex

and the last six years at the K5 complex. “I’m

responsible for safety and gas production there.”

Not exciting“Nowadays I work two weeks on, four weeks

off”, Willem continues. “In the week before my

shift offshore I prepare the work to be performed

for several days at Total s head office in The

Hague. I usually fly with a permanent crew to

the K5 complex on a Thursday. Often directly,

but sometimes also with a stop-over at the K6

complex. Two weeks later I return on Thursday.

We now fly with AW139 helicopters from CHC.

Actually, I don t find flying very exciting any

more. Sometimes I even fall asleep en route.

The period when the bulb fields are in bloom is

beautiful. In the past we flew much lower and

over the island of Texel. So during the summer

we had a good view of what was happening on

the beach. We now fly higher and precisely over

the Marsdiep. I can still remember that the big

cruise ship Queen Elizabeth was sailing on the

North Sea and that we circled this gigantic ocean

liner by helicopter. Sometimes we are unable to

fly due to inclement weather and then I return

home a day later. Once it took several days

before we could fly. That was when flights could

not be made due to the ash clouds that were

created after a volcanic eruption on Iceland.”

Passenger buildingsWillem has very pleasant memories of the old

passenger building at the current location of

Den Helder Airport. The friendly atmosphere in

particular appealed to him. But he is also very

positive about the new passenger building. “It

is an extremely user-friendly building. Only it’s

a pity that there are not enough chairs in the

hall to offer a seat to everyone when flights are

cancelled due to fog. I also have a lot of respect

for the professionalism of the women at the

reception desk. Whatever happens, they always

remain friendly. Even if dozens of people come

with questions when it s foggy. They can see

immediately if someone is flying for the first time.

It seems as if they have a sixth sense for that.”

Safety awareness is of paramount importance for

Willem Bart. Whether it involves working offshore

or flying with helicopters. “Safety is in our genes.

Every time we fly we first have to watch a safety

film. Even though I ve seen it very often, I still

discover new things. We also regularly take safety

training, including leaving a sinking helicopter

safely in the event of an emergency landing. I also

always make sure that someone flying for the

first time is not sitting next to a door. That is not

allowed.”

Regarding travel to and from work, the Installation

Supervisor still has one wish. If we fly on a Sunday

or a holiday, we sometimes have to divert to Texel

Airport. Since this feels like an obstruction, I d like

to see an expansion of the opening hours at Den

Helder Airport. Otherwise, I m extremely satisfied

with our heliport.”

A QUARTER FOR THE PASSENGER

Willem Bart: ‘Safety must be in the genes’

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7

Den Helder Airport

NEWSLETTERDEN HELDER AIRPORT

Den Helder Airport belongs with us

Two years ago, Harry Scharloo decided to resign from all his administrative duties and enjoy his well-deserved rest. But after only two months, this proved to be the wrong decision. He found doing absolutely nothing more of a burden than a pleasure. He started a Repair Shop and accepted the position of Chairman of the De Schooten Neighbourhood Committee “Samen Sterker” (Stronger Together). An association that supports Den Helder Airport.

Although Harry Scharloo is getting on in years, he is still brimming with energy. He and his wife have been living in an apartment on the Heiligharn in the De Schooten neighbourhood since February 2013. He worked with the Royal Netherlands Navy from the age of 16 until he turned 50. “After we got married in 1960, we moved to Den Helder. We lived on the Van Veenstraat for forty years. When at one point we wanted to move to a smaller place, we ended up at the Heiligharn.” After retiring from the navy, Harry put all his energy into volunteer work. He would serve in a series of administrative positions at various associations and organisations. He was also a computer specialist. “I was busy with something every day. I hated doing nothing. Still, two years ago, I decided to take a step back from everything and take time to relax. But it didn’t turn out the way I had expected. It left me at loose ends and feeling isolated. A change was needed and I eagerly went in search of new goals. This resulted in setting up a Repair Shop in our community centre, where people could come to have a free repair of anything with a plug. We now work here with six volunteers. Our initiative is supported by Foundation Present, the Den Helder Housing Foundation and the Municipality of Den Helder.”

Management positions This would not be the only activity. “First, the Tuindorp Geleerdenbuurt Interests Foundation asked me if I would like to become the treasurer. Shortly thereafter, “Samen Sterker” appeared to be without a board. This 450 member interest association even threatened to go bankrupt and I could not let that happen. I then promised I would become chairman provided that two other board members would be found, and that worked. The association now has a chairman, a treasurer and a secretary again. During the last annual meeting, a fourth person came forward who would take on the administration. We meet every fortnight and our policy is aimed

at serving the residents of the De Schooten neighbourhood where possible and solving any problems for them or with them. For example, it could be a neighbours quarrel, increasing tensions around a troubled family or disruptive behaviour by youth. We have good contact with the local policeman, the Housing Association and the municipal board for this. Together they form a network of people whom we can consult, if necessary. A problem without an immediate solution is attracting volunteers. As the board, we would like to have more of these people at our disposal.” “Samen Sterker” issues a quarterly newsletter that devotes attention to current issues that are uppermost in the minds of people in the neighbourhood.

AcceptanceHarry Scharloo has this to say about the relationship with Den Helder Airport: “We

receive little or no complaints from our members about flight traffic. If complaints come up, we as the board know where to report it. We have good contact with both the military and the civilian airport. Most of the residents of our neighbourhood accept the hindrance that living in the vicinity of an airport entails. Den Helder Airport is also seen as having great economic importance for the region. The airport belongs with us and I hope I have another chance to take a helicopter flight. As for the rest, the aircraft themselves are becoming quieter but when the wind blows in this direction, we still hear them. Den Helder Airport is both a sponsor and a participant of our annual neighbourhood event. Only it’s a pity that due to the low oil prices on the world market, our sponsors from the offshore sector in Den Helder are not doing as well. We have to live with that for now,” according to the Chairman of “Samen Sterker”, who is happy to be full-speed in the running again. “When you become older, you have to get to work and spend time among people. That way, you keep your brain young, which is critically important for us older people.”

Ph

oto

: P

AS

Pu

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atie

s

Harry Scharloo’s motto is: “Continue to work

and be among people and make every day a

holiday.”

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8

Den Helder Airport

NEWSLETTER DEN HELDER AIRPORT

North Sea Offshore gets a follow-up

Given the resounding success of the first North Sea Offshore international

business event that was held in Den Helder last year, the organisers, including

Den Helder Airport, decided to give a follow-up on Thursday, 2 June 2016.

North Sea Offshore is an event for companies

operating in the oil and gas industry and in

the offshore wind energy sector. As with

the previous edition, visits to special companies in the region of North Holland

North are on the programme for the morning. In the afternoon, a conference

by leading speakers such as Edward P. Heerema from Allseas, Berend Scheffers

Director Technology from EBN and trendwatcher Richard van Hooijdonk can

be attended. There will also be ample opportunity for informal networking, for

example during lunch and the closing network reception. North Sea Offshore

was attended by more than 300 people in 2015, and an equal number is

expected for this year. The business event is an initiative of Development Agency

North Holland North (NHN), Port of Den Helder, Den Helder Airport and the

Den Helder Port and Shipping Association (HSV). It will be supported by the

business associations NOGEPA (operators), IRO (suppliers), Northern Netherlands

Offshore Wind (NNOW), the Netherlands Wind Energy Association (NWEA), and

the Royal Netherlands Navy. Participation is free of charge and registration is

via www.northseaoffshore.nl. The latest news on North Sea Offshore can be

followed via Twitter @NSOffshore.

Starting 1 June 2013, Jolanda Riksman has held the position

of Office Manager at Wanted Oil & Gas, which opened its

branch at Den Helder Airport on that date. A secondment

and temporary employment agency that primarily focuses

on the oil and gas offshore sector, but also on the shipping,

industry and offshore wind energy sectors.

Jolanda Riksman has been working in the

temporary employment sector at Den Helder

Airport for 26 years. First at Dietsmann, later

at Topman, USG and Atlas Tristar. “After Atlas

Tristar moved to Hoofddorp in early 2013, I

worked there for another five months. I came

into contact with the Wanted Group, which

also operates in the oil and gas sector. The

company wanted to expand its activities in this

sector and asked me if I would be interested

in setting up an office at Den Helder Airport.

The idea appealed to me and I started on 1

June 2013, together with several colleagues,

including Robin Plaggenburg. Robin is our

Sales Manager. We now have five people here

at the office. Robin and I focus on the offshore

industry, while the other three are active in

industry, construction and shipbuilding. We are

now trying to achieve growth in the shipping

sector and we are also increasingly focusing

on the offshore wind energy sector. We are

also engaged in supplementing our database

with suitable people whom we can deploy

later in dismantling old offshore platforms.

We see that many people are now losing their

jobs in the offshore sector; they then come

to us. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer

everyone something different immediately.”

Aside from Den Helder Airport, the

Wanted Group has branches in Sneek,

Spijkenisse and ‘s-Gravenpolder.

Distinction

When Jolanda is asked what distinguishes

Wanted Oil & Gas, she replies: “The strength of

our company is that we aim to be very close

to the people who work for us offshore. You

see that many companies are leaving due to

the recession in the offshore sector. We are not

doing that, but here at the airport we offer a

sympathetic ear when our people return from

their work offshore. They are anxious to tell their

story. Our company is easily accessible and we

have short lines to management so we can make

quick decisions. We also aim to offer everyone

a permanent position. Offshore, we are very

project oriented; they are mainly maintenance

projects. Despite the recession, this type of

work simply continues and many people can

be placed there. We currently have an average

of about 50 people working each week in the

Dutch sector of the North Sea. We have also

placed a number of people on the Pioneering

Spirit, the world s largest offshore vessel that

will be completed in the Europoort area near

Rotterdam. The work to be performed there will

be arranged through one of our branches.”

Slogan

Recently, the Wanted Group started with the

slogan: ‘The best thing we build is certainty’.

“This slogan was devised by our Marketer.

We want to convey to our customers that

when they request someone from us, they

get the right person at the right place with the

right equipment and qualifications. In short,

if they re looking for security, they should

come to us. We provide everything from A to

Z.” Those who want to become acquainted

with the Wanted Group can find us at one

of our local offices; we are also represented

at various trade fairs. Jolanda: “For example,

we are always present at the Offshore Energy

exhibition in Amsterdam and the Europort

exhibition in Rotterdam. Those who want

direct contact can simply call. All the relevant

details can be found on our website.”

Jolanda Riksman:

‘We want to be close to the people’

Within the Wanted Group, Office Manager

Jolanda Riksman focuses mainly on the

offshore oil and gas industry.

Luchthavenweg 181786 PP Den HelderTel. : +31(0)223 677555Internet: www.chc.caE-mail: netherlands@chc.ca

General Manager: ++31 (0)223-677571

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