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08 Dec 2025 / Mongstad & Sture, Norway

Helicopter operations

When the Fedje VTS (Vessel Traffic Service) closes the fairway due to adverse weather conditions, it subsequently reopens after nightfall. However, helicopter boarding and disembarkation operations will be postponed until first daylight.

This applies as a general rule to:

  • Vessels using helicopter pilot transfer at pilot boarding positions Fedje West and Holmengrå West
  • Tank vessels over 30,000 GRT

This guideline also typically applies when helicopter operations have been suspended due to weather conditions such as swell and heavy seas.

There have been instances where the inbound fairway at Fedje was closed due to bad weather and reopened after dark. Difficult helicopter boarding conditions have been reported due to heavy swells and rough sea conditions west of Fedje, and in some cases boarding has had to be aborted. Vessels using helicopter for pilot boarding/disembarkation at Fedje West and Holmengrå West should expect delays until the first daylight window.

Vessels equipped with reference systems/sensors (Helideck monitor) capable of reading pitch, roll and heave can receive earlier notice onboard if the vessel's movements are within helicopter limitations.

For further details and information about operations in Norway, contact GAC Norway at [email protected]

If quoting any content from Hot Port News, please cite GAC Hot Port News as the source.

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