DuroWipers lifeboat supply contract

The RNLI has announced its life extension programme for the Severn class lifeboat and DuroWiper Class 60 pantographs are being tested on the prototype vessel.

“If the wipers perform well during trials, we will extend the order to the first batch of six boats in the programme,” said Nick Fenwick Severn Life Extension Project Manager.

Severn upgrade

The largest and most powerful class of lifeboat, the 42t Severn entered service back in 1996 and there are currently 44 of these lifesaving vessels in the charity’s fleet.

Through this life extension upgrade, the Severn’s wheelhouse will be completely redesigned and a wide range of upgrades will be made.

An allocation of six Severn class lifeboats will be upgraded initially, with the upgrades taking place at the RNLI’s All-weather Lifeboat Centre in Poole, Dorset.

Work is already underway on the first vessel to receive its life extension upgrade which should undergo sea trials at the end of the year.

Aberdeen Lifeboat Station is due to receive the first upgraded Severn by the end of 2021.

The RNLI’s Shannon class already has a DuroWiper system fitted, the Class 50, which has performed well.

DuroWipers originally secured a contract to supply 57 RNLI vessels with wiper systems, including the new Shannon class lifeboats, back in 2012.

It has since gone on to supply over half of the subsequent newbuild Shannon lifeboats.

By Rebecca Jeffrey