TEPDK has received a notice from the Danish Civil Aviation and Railway Authority (DKCAA) imposing temporary wind speed restrictions on helicopter operations to and from offshore sites. This means that no landings or take-offs are permitted at wind speeds of 25 knots or above.
The DKCAA has imposed restrictions to ensure the timely implementation of necessary actions to align our Aviation Quality Management System (AQMS) with their standards. While we operate under TotalEnergies’ frameworks and conduct annual audits in accordance with international standards (most recently audit completed in December 2024), these do not fully comply with Danish legislative requirements.
We would like to reiterate that TEPDK operates its helidecks in accordance with international safety standards. Travel to and from, as well as landing and take-off from our installations, remains safe.
We fully understand that the situation may cause concern and inconvenience for our offshore workforce. We can assure you that your safety and well-being remain our highest priority.
We have assigned a dedicated team to mitigate the situation and minimize disruption to planned crew changes and other elements of the daily operation.
Some have asked for a timeline, and we fully understand this need. We are working closely with the Danish Civil Aviation and Railway Authority to establish a timeframe based on our specific actions and will share updates as soon as they are available.
Several deliverables are being developed in parallel to help us progress quickly, demonstrate compliance, and have the restrictions lifted. We will use this webpage to provide updates regularly.
Our Aviation Team is closely monitoring weather conditions and adjusting plans as needed. We recognize that this poses challenges for those working offshore and can only thank our workforce for their continued flexibility and vigilance regarding any changes to scheduled departure times.
Actions since the restrictions were put in place on 21 May
- Additional helicopters enlisted to support the transfer of personnel
- Engagement with workforce and manpower contractors
- Development of a Compliance Plan which has been shared with the DKCAA
- Dedicated team formed to focus on our QMS
- A dedicated team formed to focus on our Aviation Quality Management System in compliance with the DKCAA standard
Next deliverables
- Helideck audit template compliant with DKCAA standard
- Updated Audit Quality Management System documentation.
Both deliverables will be shared with DKCAA during week 25.
| Date | Update |
| 13 June 2025 | As of today, and since restrictions have been put in place, 88 flights have departed with 6 delays with departures taking place the following day |
Q&A
What if somebody gets sick on the platform, and needs to get onshore for medical assistance, when wind speeds are beyond the set limitations. What will you do?
We are working closely with the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) to arrange for a helicopter to be used for medical evacuations, if needed. The 25 knots wind restriction imposed by DKCAA do not apply to JRCC helicopters.
Would we be able to fly our usual crew change helicopters in the event of an emergency if there were not enough JRCC helicopters available?
If there was an emergency offshore, we would manage this via our Emergency Response procedures in which we work closely with the emergency services and authorities.
What happens if I have a family emergency and need to get back to shore?
Immediate non-work-related emergencies will be delt on a case-by-case basis, with the required attention paid to the people working on our facilities and their families. Any requests shall be handled through your line management up to the RSES.
Would there be any consideration for flexibility in the departure date in case of special circumstances?
We understand that the situation may create concern and inconvenience, and we will do our utmost to provide the necessary flexibility. Requests for early departure due to special circumstances will be considered case-by-case through line management and, if applicable, the contractor company. Decisions will account for the broader flight schedule to all installations, staffing coverage, contractor obligations, and safety-critical operations. We kindly ask personnel to notify us as early as possible to support effective planning throughout the summer.
Support and questions
- All TEPDK employees can reach out to their direct line manager
- Contractors are encouraged to talk to their employer