INEOS Automotive has become an official partner of the RNLI, the charity that saves lives at sea.
Over the next five years, the INEOS Grenadier will become the official vehicle of RNLI lifeboats and support the RNLI by helping their volunteer lifesavers launch to those who are in difficulty in the water and in need of their help.
Over the duration of the partnership, 20 Grenadiers will be deployed at certain locations around Ireland and the UK to support the charity’s volunteers in their lifesaving role.
As well as undertaking regular duties at RNLI lifeboat stations, the Grenadier’s main role will be to position, launch and recover the RNLI’s D-class lifeboat at selected stations.
Following intensive coastal trials by the RNLI, the Grenadier — inspired by the classic Land Rover Defender — will be trusted to safely withstand the rigours of RNLI activities.
Jamie Chestnutt, RNLI director for engineering and supply said: “The partnership between the RNLI and INEOS Automotive aligns perfectly with INEOS's ‘Built for More’ ethosm given the lifesaving work conducted by the RNLI and our volunteers.
“As a charity which relies solely on donations, support such as this from INEOS Automative enables the RNLI to continue to save lives at sea, while also providing our operational volunteers with the best equipment available. Only by working in true partnership with industry can we sustain our lifesaving service in our 200th anniversary year.”
Lynn Calder, chief executive of INEOS Automotive added: “We’re very proud to support the RNLI, an incredible charity that performs round-the-clock lifesaving work in very difficult conditions. Its volunteers rely on vehicles every day, both boats and cars, so this is a powerful endorsement of the Grenadier that it’s able to meet the rigorous standards required for such vital frontline work.”
As well as providing the RNLI with its Grenadier, the partnership will see INEOS support the charity to spread its vital water safety messages to new audiences. It also provides the opportunity to collaborate on future technology to sustain the RNLI’s lifesaving efforts now and into the future.
