The tale starts back in the 1960s, when two inspired RNLI volunteers were enjoying a Fred. Olsen cruise …

When supporters Howard and Poppy Bell encouraged fellow guests to help the RNLI during their holiday, the fundraising idea caught on. Today, Fred. Olsen is the RNLI’s longest-running corporate partner. In December 2011, the RNLI unveiled the fourth lifeboat to be funded by Fred. Olsen, in Kyle of Lochalsh. The Atlantic 85 B-856 Spirit of Fred. Olsen replaced the previous Atlantic 75-class boat, Alexander Cattanach, which had been stationed at Kyle since 1997. The replacement lifeboat was funded with guest donations from across Fred. Olsen’s four ships – Balmoral, Braemar, Boudicca and Black Watch. Mike Rodwell, Fred. Olsen’s Managing Director (pictured centre, right), says: ‘We are delighted to have made such an important difference to the RNLI. The work that they do is invaluable, and any of us who go to sea owe them an enormous debt.’

Andrew McDonald, from Kyle of Lochalsh Lifeboat Station, says: ‘Our lifeboat has got quite a few advantages; the biggest one being that it can carry an extra crew member. It’s also more advanced in terms of the equipment that it’s got onboard. So we’re so grateful to everyone – passengers and employees.’ In May 2010, Fred. Olsen’s commitment was recognised with an RNLI Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by Patron HRH Prince Michael of Kent (pictured below). And the support doesn’t stop there – there’s a tremendous amount of fundraising going on for the RNLI across the Fred. Olsen fleet every single year.

TIMELINE
• 1824 The RNLI was founded
• 1848 The Olsen family starts a shipping business in Hvitsten, Norway
• 1960s Two RNLI supporters start fundraising on a Fred. Olsen cruise, initiating the long-standing charitable partnership
• 2010 Fred. Olsen receive an RNLI Lifetime Achievement Award
• 2011 Fred. Olsen’s fourth guestfunded inshore lifeboat, Spirit of Fred. Olsen, is launched in Kyle of Lochalsh
• 2012 onwards Fred. Olsen supports crew training programmes and funds kit for RNLI stations around the UK, close to its regional departure ports