The Norwegian Sea Rescue Society (RS) has received a new multi-million kroner donation from the AKO Foundation. The contribution will fully fund the complete reconstruction of a 20-year-old Simrad-class rescue vessel.

The new rescue vessel will make a significant contribution to coastal preparedness, featuring a towing capacity of 2.5 tons and a top speed exceeding 38 knots. The reconstruction will take place at Brødrene Hukkelberg AS shipyard in Aukra, Møre og Romsdal County, where the vessel was originally built over 20 years ago.

THE SECOND OCCASION
This is the second occasion within a short timeframe that the AKO Foundation has decided to donate a substantial sum to RS’s mission of enhancing maritime safety along Norway’s coast.

In spring 2025, the rescue vessel RS 127 “Anne Lise” was christened in Lillesand following a full reconstruction, fully funded by the London-based foundation. During its first summer as part of Norway’s coastal preparedness, and operated by a volunteer sea rescue crew in Lillesand, the vessel responded to rescue missions and assisted a total of 78 vessels and nearly 100 people in the coastal archipelago of the southern part of Norway.

“RS relies entirely on donations like this, from partners and supporters who recognize the value of robust and sustainable coastal preparedness. It is especially gratifying that the AKO Foundation, for the second time in a short period, wants to be part of our team,” says Grete Herlofson, Secretary General of RS.

TO STRENGTHEN MARITIME SAFETY
Philip Lawford, Chief Executive of the AKO Foundation, states that the donation is intended to support RS’s efforts to strengthen maritime safety in Norway, with a deliberate focus on sustainability and circular economy principles.

“We are pleased once again to help give a rescue vessel a new lease of life, while contributing to the protection of lives and property along Norway’s coastline,” said Lawford.

RS continuously works toward its objectives of a more sustainable maritime preparedness. The reconstruction and life-extension of older rescue vessels is one of several initiatives to achieve this goal.

ESSENTIALLY BRAND NEW
“Instead of retiring a robust but well-used vessel, we are undertaking a full reconstruction, resulting in a vessel that is essentially brand new. With an extended hull, a new superstructure, and upgraded navigation and communication equipment, the vessel becomes state-of-the-art—ready to serve coastal communities for another 20 years,” said Herlofson.

The reconstruction of the more than 20-year-old vessel is scheduled for 2027. The operational area for the new vessel has not yet been determined.

The vessel’s name will be announced at the naming ceremony, planned for the first half of 2028.