Oil industry cost-cutting should not be allowed to jeopardise safety following a fatal helicopter crash in Norway, a new report warns.

Iain Stuart, from Laurencekirk in Aberdeenshire, was among 13 men killed when the Super Puma went down near Bergen in April.

The helicopter was flying back to base from Statoil’s Gullfaks field when its blades detached 2000ft in the air.

A report published on Friday following an internal investigation by the Norwegian firm warns that an “increased focus on costs must not compromise safety”.

It says Statoil should carry out more emergency drills to prepare for similar incidents in future but concludes the company’s work on helicopter safety is generally good.

The Accident Investigation Board Norway is carrying out an inquiry into the cause of the crash off the island of Turøy.

Statoil’s chief operating officer, Anders Opedal, said: “We will follow up on the recommendations given by the investigation to enhance Statoil’s helicopter safety and emergency response.

“Our clear ambition is to maintain our leading role in further developing and enhancing the existing helicopter safety standard.

“The report provides a good basis for ensuring an optimal organisation and holistic approach to this.”

The report was published in Norwegian on Friday but excerpts were made available in English.

Source: stv.tv