RNLI TO SHUT EAST COWES LIFEBOAT FACTORY AS PRODUCTION MOVES TO DORSET

The RNLI is to close its East Cowes lifeboat manufacturing operation in a major blow to the Isle of Wight, with all inshore lifeboat production set to transfer to Dorset by the end of 2027.

The charity has confirmed that the Inshore Lifeboat Centre (ILC) in East Cowes will cease manufacturing operations following what it describes as a “careful consideration of all options” and consultation with staff.

Island Echo understands that senior charity figures visited the ILC earlier today.

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It was back in October last year that Island Echo first reported of the plans to close the inshore lifeboat centre after 60-years.

Production will instead be consolidated at the RNLI’s Lifesaving Support Centre in Poole.

The decision marks the end of lifeboat manufacturing on the Isle of Wight and raises fresh concerns over the loss of skilled jobs and specialist marine industry expertise from the Island.

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 (ALC) 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 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.

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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.’

Manufacturing at the East Cowes site is expected to continue until the end of 2027 before operations are fully relocated to Dorset.