Over the next two years renewable energy company Ørsted will provide more than £140,000 to support 80 RNLI stations in the east, west, and north of England.
It’s an extension of the partnership established in 2015, in which Ørsted focused on supporting seven individual lifeboat stations in areas where the company operates its offshore windfarms.
The new-look partnership will allow 80 stations to bid for funding for projects the RNLI has identified as being of greatest need, ensuring that funds are used where they will be most impactful.
To date the partnership has helped to fund 1,831 launches and aid more than 3,395 people at sea, with 127 lives being saved.
Benj Sykes, Head of Environment, Consents and External Affairs at Ørsted, said: “Ørsted is committed to making a lasting and positive impact in the communities where we operate, so we’re excited to announce the next phase of our long-running and successful partnership with the RNLI. As the global leader in offshore wind, we understand the challenges of working in often tough conditions and safety is at the core of our work. We have tremendous respect for the volunteers and crews that dedicate their time to providing an invaluable service around the country. We hope our ongoing support will help them continue their vital work.”
Steve Hulbert, RNLI Senior Partnerships Manager, said: “We are delighted to continue our partnership with Ørsted. We have valued their support since 2015 and we are excited to extend the support they provide to more lifeboat stations. As a charity which relies on donations to carry out our lifesaving work, we couldn’t do what we do without partners such as Ørsted.”
Ørsted currently has 12 operational offshore wind farms in the UK with a further five projects in construction or development – Hornsea 3, Hornsea 4, Mooir Vannin, Stromar and Salamander.
