RNLI to consolidate manufacturing to one site by the end of 2027
RNLI to consolidate manufacturing to one site by the end of 2027
Lifeboats News Release
After careful consideration of all options and a thorough consultation with employees at the Inshore Lifeboat Centre (ILC), the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has made the decision to consolidate its lifeboat manufacturing into one location.
It means that the production of the RNLI’s inshore lifeboats will move from the ILC in East Cowes, Isle of Wight to its manufacturing site at the Lifesaving Support Centre in Poole, Dorset by the end of 2027.
This decision is driven by the need to respond to a changing demand on the charity’s lifesaving service and invest in a lifeboat fleet that reflects modern coastal use. As part of this approach, the RNLI has reviewed its manufacturing requirements and determined that future production can be delivered efficiently and effectively from one site.
Opened in 1963, the ILC currently builds and maintains up to 80 boats each year including the inflatable B class and D class lifeboats, and lifeguards’ inshore rescue boats (IRBs) whilst the All-weather Lifeboat Centre in Poole, which was built in 2015, builds the Shannon class lifeboat and provides repairs and refits to the all-weather lifeboat fleet. Both sites employ highly skilled individuals who deliver world-class lifeboats to our lifeboat crews and lifeguards to carry out their lifesaving roles.
The RNLI has seen a notable change in sea use around the UK and Ireland with more people using the coast for recreational purposes such as open water swimming and paddleboarding. It means the vast majority of RNLI rescues are now closer to the shore than they have been in the past.
As the charity moves into its third century of lifesaving at sea, it will continue to adapt to ensure the right lifesaving assets are in the right places. The production demand for all-weather lifeboats is expected to reduce by a third as the RNLI modernises its fleet and enhances its capabilities to meet lifesaving needs. This reduction means there will be insufficient work to sustain two manufacturing facilities.
The ILC is estimated to require more than £5 million in capital investment to remain compliant for legislation on building and testing conditions. In contrast, the ALC is a newer, larger facility with ability to take on the wider manufacturing requirements of the RNLI future fleet. These factors have been carefully considered to ensure the RNLI makes the best possible use of its supporters’ donations.
RNLI Chief Engineer and Technical Director, Ross Barraclough said: ‘Use of the sea around the UK is changing - our data shows 98% of all RNLI rescues are now within 10 nautical miles of the shore compared to years ago when demand was further offshore. For us to continue delivering our core purpose of saving lives at sea, the charity needs to evolve and respond to the changing demand placed on our service.
‘Our 2040 Lifeboat Fleet Strategy will determine what is needed to ensure we have the right lifeboats in the right locations to continue saving lives into our third century. My responsibility is to ensure we can build these boats in the most efficient way, adapting our production delivery to make sure we continue to use our supporters’ money wisely and operate sustainably.
‘This change in need represents a major shift in demand for our production teams, with an anticipated reduction in production hours by a third and whilst it is a difficult decision, we need to consider our future footprint and cost base.
‘I fully recognise the dedication, commitment and quality of work by our Inshore Lifeboat Centre team, their professionalism throughout this process, and the impact this decision will have not only on them but on the wider RNLI community on the Isle of Wight. Our immediate focus is on supporting colleagues through this period of change and to prioritise helping them find alternative roles and plan their futures.’
The next steps will involve ongoing engagement with ILC colleagues and their employee representative groups on shaping the support that will be available to them. During 2027, more clarity will be given on potential opportunities such as redeployment and development, working through options with individuals over time. This approach ensures time is taken to support employees properly, while continuing to engage and consult throughout. The RNLI are committed to supporting all those impacted throughout this process.
The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.
