To mark the Royal National Lifeboat Institution  turning 200 and support its lifesaving work, ABP, the UK’s leading port operator has funded a new lifeboat to enter the charity’s fleet.

ABP’s donation will be used to build a new D-class lifeboat, known as the workhorse of the RNLI, which will enable RNLI lifeboat crews to continue their vital work of saving lives at sea. The new lifeboat, which will be named “ABP ONE” will be built at the RNLI’s Inshore Lifeboat Centre (ILC) in Cowes.

Henrik L. Pedersen, CEO at Associated British Ports (ABP), said: “Safety is of paramount importance to ABP and this is a value we share with the RNLI. We deeply value to work done by RNLI volunteers to save lives and raise awareness around water safety.

“I am proud to say that many of our colleagues are part of these lifesaving crews and we are delighted to be able to support their mission with the purchase of this new lifeboat.

The donation of £100,000 will allow for the complete build-out, and training costs associated with ‘ABP ONE.’ This latest project is part of a much broader partnership between the two organisations. This includes the RNLI and ABP’s collaboration on a ABP facility at Barry Dock RNLI lifeboat station.

Jamie Chestnutt, Engineering and Supply Director, said, “The RNLI’s relationship with Associated British Ports is long-standing. I am delighted to see this partnership go from strength to strength with a continued focus on providing our crews with best-in-class facilities, as seen at Barry Dock’s new Lifeboat Station, the sharing of crucial water safety messaging, and now with a lifeboat, aptly named ABP ONE. It’s partnerships such as this that allow the RNLI to continue to save lives at sea.”

ABP will also drive awareness around water safety, which has included sharing stories of ABP colleagues who volunteer with the RNLI, running a water safety poster competition for families and distributing floating keyrings to mariners and colleagues.

Mike McCartain, Group Director for Safety, Marine and Engineering, said: “I have personally supported the RNLI for nearly five decades. Over the course of this time, I have seen the bravery of crews as they go out in all weather conditions with one goal in mind – to save lives.

“I am proud that ABP is able to support the RNLI with the build of this new lifeboat and add play a role in the tradition of saving lives at sea.”