Yantai, China – January 20th 2026 – NSO has announced a major safety achievement: a recent third-party test of its aluminum helideck surface recorded a friction coefficient of 0.8, significantly exceeding the CAP 437 minimum requirement of 0.65 for moving helidecks. This result marks more than a technical milestone; it reflects NSO’s unwavering commitment to safety and operational excellence.
Protecting Lives Offshore
Helicopter operations on offshore platforms are inherently high-risk. Landings in wet, windy, or unstable conditions demand uncompromising surface integrity. Industry studies indicate that deteriorated helideck friction contributes to over 15 percent of offshore helicopter near-miss incidents, often linked to rotor downwash, skirting damage, or surface wear.
By delivering a friction coefficient of 0.8, well above regulatory thresholds, NSO is actively reducing the risk of skid-related landing accidents, rotor wash destabilization, and emergency evacuation complications. This achievement goes beyond compliance; it represents a proactive stance on safeguarding lives.
Supporting the Backbone of Global Energy
NSO helidecks are deployed across offshore platforms in several critical areas.
In the oil and gas industry, offshore rigs supply over 30 percent of global output, powering transportation, heating, manufacturing, and food production. Natural gas plays a vital role in producing synthetic fertilizer, supporting food security for a global population of eight billion. Oil-derived materials are embedded in everyday products from plastics and pharmaceuticals to clothing and electronics, underscoring the invisible reach of offshore engineering.
Offshore wind, meanwhile, is emerging as a cornerstone of sustainable energy. Wind farms at sea are projected to prevent 2,100 premature deaths annually by reducing air pollution. With a 14:1 benefit-to-cost ratio, offshore wind is among the most impactful climate solutions available. It supports clean energy transitions, local job creation, and marine ecosystem resilience.
Engineering for Impact
NSO helidecks are more than structural platforms, they are lifelines for emergency medevac operations, crew transfers in remote seas, and maintenance access for offshore turbines and rigs. Every bolt, weld, and surface coating is engineered to ensure offshore operations remain safe, efficient, and globally connected.
A Statement from NSO
“We don’t just build helidecks. We build trust. We build safety. We build the infrastructure that keeps offshore energy flowing and lives protected.”
As the world continues to rely on offshore energy for both continuity and sustainability, NSO is proud to deliver China-executed, globally compliant solutions that exceed expectations and elevate industry standards.