Why Ekki is the Sustainable Choice for Helidecks

Around the world, the timber helidecks installed in the 1960s and 1970s are ready to be replaced. This timber has seen a lot of wear and tear over the past 50-60 years, and will likely be reaching the end of its lifespan (at least as decking – there are always options for timber recycling). Some manufacturers are pushing aluminium alloy as an alternative to timber for helidecks, but we do not agree with that. Our opinion? Stick to Ekki timber for durability you can rely on.

Let’s take a look at why Ekki still reigns supreme over aluminium alloy.

Built for Marine Environments

Helidecks are installed in some of the toughest environments out there. Constant salt spray, high winds, fuel exposure and extreme weather cycles are heavy going, and any replacement material needs to stand up to these conditions without compromising safety.

Ekki timber has already proven its worth in gold. The helidecks now reaching replacement age are evidence of Ekki’s long service life in offshore conditions, and you can expect 50-60 years (plus!) of consistent performance with this tough timber. A natural durability class 1 rating and exceptional density ensure that Ekki is resistant to rot, fungal attack and marine borers, and all without the need for chemical treatments.

Metals, on the other hand, face corrosion risks in the same environments. Even marine-grade aluminium alloys can be vulnerable to surface degradation, galvanic corrosion and general wear and tear, particularly where fixings and structural connections are involved.

Timber does not corrode. It weathers, and when properly specified, it lasts.

Ekki’s Exceptional Strength

Ekki is one of the strongest commercially available hardwoods, with a very high strength class (D60-D70). That translates to excellent load-bearing performance and impact resistance, both of which are essential for helideck applications.

Unlike lightweight metal systems relying on engineered profiles to achieve rigidity, Ekki delivers inherent structural integrity. It has a proven track record of supporting heavy operational loads in marine and fresh water infrastructure, including lock gates and bridges. When you are replacing a helideck, opting for a timber as tried, tested and trusted as Ekki is, offers peace of mind which engineered alternatives simply cannot replicate.

Genuine Sustainability

Sustainability is often framed around recyclability, and aluminium is certainly recyclable. But that only tells part of the story.

Ekki, when responsibly sourced from well-managed forests, is a renewable resource. At EcoChoice, all our timber is certified by the FSC or PEFC, ensuring that the woodland network we work with champions biodiversity and conservation.

Unlike aluminium production, which is energy-intensive and carbon-heavy, timber requires significantly less energy to produce. Aluminium produces, on average, 14.8 kg of CO2 per kg created. Timber, on the other hand, sequesters carbon, meaning that it absorbs it as it grows and then stores it within its cellular structure. For every cubic metre of timber, almost 1 tonne of CO2 is sequestered.

Long Service Life and Minimal Intervention

The original timber helidecks lasted 50-60 years in harsh environments. That is not a short lifecycle; in fact, we would say it highlights timber’s exceptional performance. As we mentioned earlier, these boards can now be repurposed or recycled rather than scrapped, contributing to the circular economy.

Ekki’s natural durability means it does not rely on complex coatings or specialist corrosion protection systems to perform. There is no risk of coating breakdown, and what you see is what you get. With proper design and installation, Ekki offers a low-maintenance, straightforward and dependable long-term solution.

Choose Sustainably Sourced Ekki for Helidecks

When it comes to helideck replacement, Ekki has done the job before, and it will do it again. Could aluminium alloy really improve on a material proven to have demonstrated half a century of offshore reliability? We would not bet on it.

Make sure you are choosing FSC-certified Ekki by ordering your timber from EcoChoice. Contact us today to learn more.