Equinor (EQNR) and Var Energi have given Bristow a long-term contract for helicopter transportation and search and rescue services from Hammerfest, ensuring reliable operations amid rising activity in the Barents Sea, Equinor said Monday.

The company said the contract starts on Sept. 1 and runs for three years, with two optional one-year extensions and a total estimated value, including options, of about 1.9 billion Norwegian kroner ($196.5 million).

Bristow will continue operating two transportation helicopters and one search and rescue helicopter, serving Equinor's Johan Castberg field, which began production in March 2025, and Var Energi's Goliat field, the company said.