Spring 2026: Securing offshore turnarounds

In spring 2026, offshore oil & gas operators enter a phase where logistics schedule control becomes critical. Offshore turnarounds mobilise technical teams, suppliers, and transport capacity simultaneously. The objective is clear: avoid any schedule slippage once operations have started.

In this context, logistics is no longer a support function. It must be able to react immediately when a critical component proves defective or when essential equipment is missing.

Where offshore turnarounds are most active

Spring maintenance campaigns mainly affect:

• The North Sea (United Kingdom, Norway, Netherlands, Denmark), with a high concentration of offshore installations
• Offshore West Africa, where many independent mid-tier producers operate: Senegal, Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, as well as offshore areas near Cape Verde
• East Africa, continental support zones and the Great Lakes region, including the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania

These environments combine limited access and tight timelines, making any logistical improvisation particularly risky during a turnaround.

Critical transport solutions for offshore turnarounds

When business continuity is essential and every hour counts, several time-critical air freight solutions are adapted to turnaround constraints:

• OBC (On Board Courier) enables the rapid transport of spare parts or essential equipment. A dedicated courier personally accompanies the urgent shipment in the cabin or hold on scheduled commercial flights. Thanks to its speed and simplicity, this solution is ideal for ad-hoc shipments with no advance notice.
  Constraints: limited weight and volume (8–10 kg in cabin, up to 25 kg per item in the hold). No dangerous goods accepted.
• NFO (Next Flight Out) allows larger equipment to be shipped on the first available commercial flight. A door-to-door service including pickup, customs formalities and final delivery. Well suited for parcels, flight cases, crates and standard pallets.
• Air Charter (dedicated cargo aircraft) offers maximum responsiveness and reliability 24/7, independent of commercial flight schedules or predefined routes. You charter your own cargo aircraft with crew, with flight timing and routing defined according to operational needs. Same-day deliveries across Europe are possible, including pallets, crates, out-of-gauge cargo, machinery and equipment — and even spare parts accompanied by a qualified technician authorised to perform on-site installation. Yes, personnel are welcome on board.

Regardless of the solution selected, operations can be organised airport-to-airport or door-to-door, with coordinated pickup, air transport, formalities (in cooperation with your local customs broker) and transfer to the last onshore point, namely the logistics base serving the offshore platform.

Practical value for field teams

For Logistics Managers, Operations Managers and Project Managers, these solutions make it possible to:

• limit unplanned downtime and maintain operational continuity
• secure critical turnaround milestones
• maintain full visibility over shipments
• retain control despite unforeseen events

Securing your turnarounds with 24/7 logistics support

Available 24/7 when required, the team at Air Time Critical® support oil & gas stakeholders throughout critical maintenance periods. Thanks to a highly responsive organisation and door-to-door coordination up to the last onshore point, field teams can remain fully focused on operations, with confidence — even when the unexpected occurs.

Contact us now.