Offshore port
In this capacity, the port of Den Helder in the Netherlands is a key link in the logistic chain for the offshore oil and gas industry. Increasing numbers of oil companies, including NAM, Total, Gaz de France, Venture Production, Taqa and Chevron, are concentrating their logistic activities in Den Helder. In particular the Paleiskade with its Offshore Services & Logistics Centre and mudplant is the base of operations from which drilling rigs and production platforms on the North Sea are serviced. A fleet of modern supply vessels are used for this work. The port is also often the starting point for seismic and other operations offshore, and numerous offshore vessels put into Den Helder for crew changes, bunkering, supply, maintenance and repair.
In addition, both the port and roads of Den Helder are ideal locations for carrying out inspection, repair and maintenance work on drilling rigs and accommodation platforms. For just these services, over the last few years, more than 30 drilling rigs have visited Den Helder. In the port, one drilling rig was indeed even converted into an accommodation platform.
Den Helder is also the home base for well-known shipping operators such as Vroon Offshore Services, C.S.S. and Acta Marine Waterweg, active worldwide in the offshore and dredging industries. Den Helder aims in the future to play a key role as the base of operations for inspection, repair and maintenance work on offshore wind turbine farms.
Throughout the region, there are more than 120 companies active as suppliers for the oil and gas industry, businesses who commonly operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in order to offer rapid and efficient service.
Den Helder also operates its own Harbour Reception Installation (HOI) for the collection of (hazardous) waste substances from ships and offshore installations.
The shipping sector and the oil and gas industry are able to make use of the facilities offered by Den Helder Airport, a modern airport from which operations involving fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters can be undertaken.