DONG Energy agrees partnership to support RNLI

Barrow RNLI lifeboat Grace Dixon. Credit: Nigel Millard

DONG Energy has signed a partnership with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) to make a £120,000-contribution to the lifeboat running costs of six RNLI stations across the UK over the next two years.

DONG Energy is one of the leading energy companies in Northern Europe and a global leader in offshore wind.

Over a two-year period, DONG Energy is to make donations totalling £120,000 towards the lifeboat running costs of RNLI stations at Wells, Clacton-on-Sea, Humber on the east coast of England, Barrow and New Brighton on the north west coast, plus Ramsgate on the south east coast.

Boat running costs mainly cover the fuel used on lifeboat launches and rescues, as well as minor items replaced during routine maintenance.

DONG Energy currently has eight operational offshore wind farms in the UK, with a further four in construction or development. These offshore wind farms are all located in areas corresponding to the six RNLI stations that are being supported in this new partnership.

Brent Cheshire, DONG Energy’s UK country chairman, said: ‘The RNLI is a fantastic charity that does incredible work, and I am thrilled that we are making a major contribution to the lifeboat running costs for six stations across the UK.

‘The RNLI saves lives at sea every day and as a company operating at sea ourselves, we know all about the extraordinary support that the RNLI provides to coastal communities.

‘DONG Energy is fully committed to making a positive contribution to the local areas where we operate and that’s why this partnership makes so much sense. We are delighted to support the RNLI in continuing with their outstanding lifeboat search and rescue service.’

Leesa Harwood, the RNLI’s Community Lifesaving and Fundraising Director, said: ‘As a charity, the RNLI relies on donations to be able to carry out its lifesaving work around the coast of UK and Republic of Ireland, so we are grateful to DONG Energy for its generosity in making a significant contribution to the lifeboat running costs of these six lifeboat stations.

‘In doing so, the company will be directly helping our volunteer crews to save lives at sea. The RNLI rescues an average of 24 people every day and last year alone saved 368 lives. DONG Energy’s donation will be felt most by our volunteer lifeboat crews and those they rescue.’