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RNLI
SHANNON
CLASS LIFEBOAT

Designed with crew, for crew

Built entirely in-house, the Shannon is as dependable as the volunteers that set out in one, whatever the conditions.

Capable of 25 knots, this lifeboat is as fast as it is nimble. Being powered by waterjets instead of propellers makes it a master at manoeuvrability – something that can save vital seconds (and lives) when precision matters, such as when pulling alongside a stricken vessel or a person in the water.

Crew safety is baked in – the unique hull minimises the slamming of the lifeboat in choppy seas, and should the Shannon capsize, it will even return to an upright position.

A lifesaving future

The Shannon will provide lifesaving cover around the coast of the UK and Ireland for decades to come.

Although each Shannon class lifeboat is expected to have an operational lifetime of 25 years, the life expectancy of the Shannon's hull and wheelhouse is 50 years.

So, after 25 years of service, each Shannon lifeboat will undergo a total refit. The machinery, systems and equipment in them will be renewed or replaced and the hull and wheelhouse reused – creating a new Shannon class lifeboat that’s ready to save lives at sea for a further 25 years.

A closer look

Launching

The Shannon can be launched from a carriage, slipway or simply be moored afloat.

Crew capacity

6 crew members operate a Shannon class lifeboat. They sit on shock-absorbing seats to protect them from impact when powering through the waves.

Casualty capacity

The Shannon can carry 18 casualties and still be able to self-right in the event of capsize. If necessary, it can carry up to 61 casualties, but it would make it non self-righting.

Weight

18 tonnes (maximum) – making it the lightest of our current all-weather lifeboats.

Identification

All lifeboats have a unique identification number. The first part indicates the class. Shannon class lifeboats start with 13 because they are just over 13m in length.

The numbers after the dash refer to the build number. So the first Shannon built was given the number 13-01.

Engines and speed

Top speed: 25 knots

Range: 250 nautical miles

Engines: 2 x 13-litre Scania D13 13 litre inline 6 cylinder turbocharged and intercooled 650hp engines, propulsion via Twin Disc MG5086SC gearboxes and Hamilton HJ364 waterjets

Fuel capacity: 2,500 litres

The Shannon only needs 80% of its power to reach 25 knots, meaning the engines don’t have to work so hard and should last longer.

Each engine has its own 1,370-litre fuel tank which can be refuelled at a rate of 200 litres a minute, meaning the lifeboat will never be out of action for long.

Length

13.6m

Width

4.5m

Draught/Depth

1m

Watch: Meet the Shannon
Spring Appeal 2025
Shannon 2025 Appeal

Keep crews
ready for anything

Give volunteers the all-weather lifeboats they deserve