SGS Announces Collaboration with the International Helideck Organization to Advance Global Helideck Safety Standards

BLOOMFIELD, N.J., Sept. 4, 2025 /CNW/ - SGS, the world's leading testing, inspection, and certification company is pleased to announce a strategic collaboration with the International Helideck Organisation (IHO). Based in United States, the IHO operates across six continents to deliver helideck inspection and certification, helideck inspector certification, and training for various aspects of offshore operations. SGS, also a leader in cost-effective helideck inspections and friction test certifications, will come together with the IHO to deliver comprehensive auditing services and safety solutions to bolster helideck operations worldwide for the energy and offshore aviation sectors.

"Helidecks are a critical part of any aviation-supported offshore operation – and ensuring the safety of your offshore platforms is vital to protect your personnel and assets," said Mike McCready, Vice President of Operations at SGS's Aviation division. "At SGS, our mission has always been to ensure the highest standards of safety and performance in helideck operations. Working with the IHO allows us to set a new benchmark in safety and compliance, while expanding our impact globally. We look forward to offering even more value to our clients that rely on offshore platforms for their critical operations," said Mike McCready, Vice President Operations, Aviation at SGS.

Offshore platforms for the oil and gas sector, and increasingly for the wind energy sector, are considered high-risk environments. Helicopters are the most common form of 'ship-to-shore' transportation of personnel and cargo. Safety inspections, certifications and training are therefore crucial to ensure conformity with aviation industry guidelines, standards, and regulations. For example, CAP 437 and HSAC 163 oversee various functions such as landing and takeoff procedures, helideck design, maintenance, friction testing, and meteorological considerations. Each aspect is critical when it comes to minimizing risks and enhancing safety for both on-site teams, equipment and aircraft. 

"This collaboration leverages the strengths of IHO and SGS to deliver unmatched expertise, reliability and value leveraging SGS's global reach and auditing capabilities along with IHO's technical and training proficiency," said Morne Wiid, IHO Managing Director. "We are excited about setting a new benchmark that delivers enhanced safety outcomes and full regulatory compliance, as we work together to exceed and redefine industry standards."

This strategic collaboration contributes to achieving SGS's Strategy 27, which includes responding to megatrends driving growth in the TIC industry. One of these megatrends is industry regulation and expectations for safety, health and well-being. Offshore aviation regulations are being driven by a combination of factors including safety concerns and the need for harmonization with international standards. With respect to servicing wind energy offshore platforms, this move also supports the energy sustainability transition, another TIC megatrend.

ABOUT SGS
SGS is the world's leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, supported by a team of 99,500 dedicated professionals. With over 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, compliance and sustainability.

Our brand promise – when you need to be sure – underscores our commitment to trust, integrity and reliability, enabling businesses to thrive with confidence. We proudly deliver our expert services through the SGS name and trusted specialized brands, including Brightsight, Bluesign, Maine Pointe and Nutrasource.

SGS is publicly traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the ticker symbol SGSN (ISIN CH1256740924, Reuters SGSN.S, Bloomberg SGSN:SW).

SOURCE SGS

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