Buckie RNLI set to receive state-or-the-art Shannon class lifeboat as part of fleet modernisation strategy
A Moray RNLI lifeboat station is set to receive a new, state-of-the-art, all-weather lifeboat.
As part of the RNLI’s 2040 Lifeboat Fleet Strategy, Buckie Lifeboat Station will take a delivery of the cutting-edge Shannon class vessel in 2027.
It is being hailed as an exciting development for the volunteer crew and the community they serve as the Shannon is more manoeuvrable and designed with the very latest technology to help save lives at sea well into the future.
The news, however, does have a bittersweet element as it will mean saying a fond farewell to Buckie’s current lifeboat, the Severn class William Blannin, which will have been saving lives at sea for 24 years by the time she is replaced. The vessel came on station in May 2003, replacing the long-serving Arun class Charles Brown which arrived in 1984.
Buckie RNLI’s Lifeboat Operations Manager Anne Scott said: “"As part of the RNLI's ongoing strategy to modernise our fleet and match lifeboat capability to the evolving nature of our lifesaving work, Buckie Lifeboat Station will transition from a Severn class to a Shannon class lifeboat in 2027.
“While both lifeboats have the same top speed and all-weather operational ability, the Shannon class brings several key differences.
“It is the youngest class of lifeboat in the RNLI fleet, with the first entering service in 2013. The Shannon is just over 13 metres in length compared to the Severn's 17 metres, and it utilises waterjet propulsion instead of the more conventional propellors and rudders found on the Severn class.
“This makes the Shannon incredibly agile and manoeuvrable and she is particularly suited for operating in shallow waters and surf conditions. The jets also allow the lifeboat to come to a complete stop in just three seconds.
“This change in class reflects how sea use around our coast is shifting. The vast majority of call-outs now happen closer to shore, with increasing demand from recreational users such as swimmers and paddleboarders. The Shannon's design is perfectly suited to meet this demand, while still providing all-weather and tow capability.
“Of course, this transition also marks the end of an era for William Blannin, our Severn class lifeboat, which will have served Buckie faithfully for 24 years by the time we say goodbye. She's been at the heart of our lifesaving efforts, and her departure will be felt deeply by our crew and community.
“We are, however, excited to be part of this evolution, ensuring Buckie Lifeboat Station remains ready to respond to save lives at sea ad keep our crew safe."
The Shannon - which has a crew of six - can be launched from a carriage, slipway or simply be moored afloat, as Buckie’s new lifeboat will be.
The vessel can carry 18 casualties or, at a pinch, 61, although in the latter case it would lose her self-righting ability.
A Shannon’s twin Scania engines can push her to a maximum speed of 25 knots and a 250-nautical mile range - the same as a Severn - the main difference being that only 80 per cent of its power is required to reach this. It means that there should be less wear and tear on the engines.