Norway: Ulstein to Donate 60% Funds for S&R ‘RS Idar Ulstein’

Ulstein Group has announced yesterday that the company will donate approximately NOK 20m to Norwegian Sea Rescue (Redningsselskapet) to fund 60 percent of the cost of a high-speed search and rescue (S&R) boat.

The 20-metre S&R craft – to be delivered in 2015 – will be named ‘RS Idar Ulstein’, in memory of Ulstein’s long-time CEO and Chairman of the Board, who passed away in 2012.

Once in service, the ‘RS Idar Ulstein’ will play a significant role in ensuring the safety of seafarers and recreational users of Norway’s coastal waters as they become increasingly busy year-on-year. Norwegian Sea Rescue now performs 50 percent more rescue operations than it did a decade ago, and in 2012 the organisation made over 12,000 rescues.

Commenting on the announcement, Tore Ulstein, Chairman of the Board, Ulstein Group, said: “The Norwegian Sea Rescue saves lives and assets, and we believe that this gift will help make the Norwegian seas safer for everyone.”

Rikke Lind, Secretary General, Norwegian Sea Rescue, stated: “This is an extraordinarily generous gesture by ULSTEIN and is one of the largest ever donations made to our organisation.”

She added that Norwegian Sea Rescue was honoured to be able to name one of its ships after Idar Ulstein. “Throughout his life, Idar Ulstein was a driving force in the development of the maritime industry, both nationally and internationally and this donation pays tribute to an already impressive legacy. He was a passionate supporter of Norwegian Sea Rescue and this donation, honouring his life, will potentially help save the lives of many people experiencing difficulties off the Norwegian coast.”

Over the last ten years, Norwegian Sea Rescue has saved 350 lives and 1,000 people from shipwreck. Lind stated that in order to continue saving lives and assets, the organisation relies on the contributions of individuals and companies. “We cannot do our job without donations such as these, so I hope ULSTEIN’s action inspires others in the community to contribute towards the remaining 40 percent of the cost of this vessel.”

Lind added that, due to the ever-increasing number of Norwegians using the seas for work and pleasure, modernising Norwegian Sea Rescue’s fleet is essential. “When a life is at stake, every second counts. That’s why it is so important to upgrade our fleet with new, faster vessels, which will allow us to reach an incident anywhere in Norwegian waters within an hour. To adequately maintain our fleet, we need at least one new vessel per year, and without sufficient funds from the current government, we require the support of those in the maritime community.”

‘RS Idar Ulstein’ will add to Norwegian Sea Rescue’s 42-strong fleet of rescue vessels stationed around the Norwegian coastline. Although a decision has not yet been made, the vessel will most likely operate in northern Norway, where vessel speed is particularly important due to greater distances between rescue ships.

‘RS Idar Ulstein’ will be the first of a new class of rescue vessels, operated by a crew of three. It will primarily serve coastal, fishing and recreational vessels. As well as emergency lifesaving and rescue, the vessel will be designed to perform operations including towing, salvage, diving missions, fire, ambulance and medical transportation.

Short response time is essential to saving lives at sea and the ‘RS Idar Ulstein’ therefore prioritises speed over bollard pull, which is in line with the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre’s guidelines. ‘RS Idar Ulstein’ has twin engines, with an estimated top-speed of 38 knots. Its bollard pull will be approximately nine tonnes, which will cover most rescue situations, and the ship will be able to maintain a larger vessel that has lost engine power until heavier capacity arrives.

The vessel will be equipped with a modern navigation system, which is essential on rescue missions. It also has noise-reducing features to ensure the best possible working conditions for the crew.

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Ulstein Group, June 6, 2013