The Southport Offshore Rescue Trust announce the order for a new aluminium-hull Fast Response Craft(FRC 903) from Habbeke Shipyard, a renowned Dutch boatbuilder. This acquisition marks a significant milestone as an independent life-saving charity, reinforcing its commitment to cutting-edge rescue technology and volunteer crew safety across its operational area.
An extensive search across Europe was conducted by the Coxswains of Southport Lifeboat to identify the most capable and future-proof vessel to meet the station’s operational needs. After three years of research and trials, Habbeke’s FRC 903 was selected as the preferred option.
Nick Porter, Trustee Director and Coxswain of the Southport Offshore Rescue Trust said “We’re delighted to be able to announce our partnership with Habbeke Shipyard after a thorough and considered search that began over three years ago. The FRC 903 represents a major step forward for Southport Lifeboat. It’s larger and more capable thanks to advancements in lifeboat technology, and crucially, it offers increased safety features for our volunteer crew and any casualties.”
The new lifeboat will replace the Arctic 24, Heather White, which has served the station faithfully since 2007. The FRC 903 is over one metre longer and more than 50 centimetres wider, offering improved stability and working space. It features closed cell foam fendering instead of traditional inflatable collar sponsons, enhancing durability and reducing maintenance.
Crew safety and comfort will be significantly improved with suspension seats and two additional folding seats for extra crew or casualties. The vessel will also be equipped with advanced technology, including a FLIR thermal camera, VHF direction finder, and the latest fast PIRS (Post Immersion Restart System) on its twin 150hp outboard engines.
The aluminium hull design of the Fast Response Craft FRC 903 originated with the Royal Netherlands Sea Rescue Institution (KNRM) as the Nikolaas-class lifeboat, originally built with an inboard jet drive. Today, the design is used globally, including a jet-drive variant still operated by the KNRM.
In October 2024, members of Southport Lifeboat visited the first outboard version of the FRC 903 in Germany, hosted by the German Life Saving Association (DLRG) at Drochtersen, to assess its performance and suitability for Southport’s operational profile. This successful trial, combined with a longstanding working relationship with Habbeke Shipyard, confirmed the FRC 903 as the ideal choice.
Arnoud Straakenbroek, Global Sales Director at Habbeke Shipyard said ““Habbeke Shipyard is honoured to have been entrusted by the Southport Offshore Rescue Trust to design and build their new Fast Response Craft. The FRC 903 for Southport Lifeboat is based on our proven Nikolaas class design, originally developed for the Royal Netherlands Sea Rescue Institution (KNRM). The first outboard version was delivered to DLRG Drochtersen in Germany, where Southport Lifeboat crew had the opportunity to test its performance firsthand. “
“To ensure the vessel meets Southport’s unique operational needs, our team visited the lifeboat station to observe their current craft in action and collaborate closely with the crew. The result is a fully customised lifeboat tailored to their environment, mission, and rescue protocols.”
Following this visit, a formal partnership was agreed, and a build slot has now been secured. Construction is scheduled to begin later this year, with delivery expected in Q4 2026.
Southport Lifeboat and Habbeke Shipyard have collaborated for over a decade, including the conversion of the Challenger launch vehicles used to tow the lifeboat, and the 2018 refit of Heather White, which was carried out in the Netherlands.
This investment is made possible thanks to the generosity of our supporters and the tireless efforts of volunteers who have championed the lifeboat cause for nearly 40 years.
Kath Wilson, founder, Trustee Director and Charity Shop Manager said “I’m incredibly proud to see the next lifeboat for Southport Lifeboat now on order. When we began this journey nearly 40 years ago with the goal of saving lives off the coast of Southport, we could only dream of the capabilities and professionalism the service has achieved today.
“I would like to thank everyone who has supported us over the years. Your generosity has helped save lives along our coastline.”
A final fundraising push will be announced once the remaining target is confirmed. In the meantime, supporters can contribute in the following ways:
- Donate to or buy from their charity shop on Everton Road, Birkdale
- Play Lifeboat Lotto – Canvassers are currently active in the Southport area, or sign up in their shop or via their website
- Donate via PayPal – Details available on their website
- Drop a donation in one of their collection tins – Found in pubs and shops across the area. To request a collection box for your business, please contact the Lifeboat House
 from Habbeke Shipyard, a renowned Dutch boatbuilder.){kind=link}