The Southport Offshore Rescue Trust is proud to announce the confirmed order of a new Fast Response Craft, the FRC 903, marking a significant milestone in the station’s ongoing commitment to saving lives at sea.
Commissioned from renowned Dutch boatbuilders Habbeke Shipyard, the aluminium-hulled FRC 903 represents the next generation of lifeboat technology and capability.
Designed to meet the Rescue Boat Code of Practice, the vessel will enhance operational safety and versatility for volunteer crews responding to emergencies across our 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.
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 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.
Representatives from Habbeke visited Southport in June 2025 to evaluate the operational area and available space at the Lifeboat Station. 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 Southport Lifeboat supporters and the tireless efforts of volunteers who have championed the lifeboat cause for nearly 40 years.
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 our charity shop on Everton Road, Birkdale
• Play Lifeboat Lotto – Canvassers are currently active in the Southport area, or sign up in our shop or via our website
• Donate via PayPal – Details available on the website
• Drop a donation in one of our collection tins – Found in pubs and shops across the area.
To request a collection box for your business, please contact the Lifeboat House
More information on how to support the project can be found at: www.southport-lifeboat.org.uk
Nick Porter, Trustee Director / Coxswain, Southport Lifeboat 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. “This vessel will help ensure our crew can respond with greater confidence and resilience in the years ahead.”
Arnoud Straakenbroek, Global Sales Director, 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.
“This remarkable project is entirely funded by volunteers and their local community, a testament to the dedication and spirit behind Southport Lifeboat. We are proud to partner with the Southport Offshore Rescue Trust and are fully committed to delivering a vessel that will help save lives at sea and bring crews home safely.”
Kath Wilson, Founder, Southport Lifeboat 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.”
Key Facts about the Southport Offshore Rescue Trust
The Southport Offshore Rescue Trust is a registered charity (No. 1146805) that operates the Southport Lifeboat.
Southport Lifeboat provides both lifeboat and land-based search and rescue services along the Sefton coastline.
It is a registered declared facility with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.
Independent of the RNLI, the Trust relies entirely on donations and fundraising to deliver a first class life-saving service.
Its operational area stretches from the River Mersey to the River Ribble, extending up to 25 miles offshore, and includes Southport Marine Lake.
All crew members are unpaid volunteers who are on call throughout the year. When the pagers sound, they drop everything to assist those in need. In addition to responding to emergencies, the crew regularly dedicate their time to training and fundraising.
The service was founded in 1987 following a series of tragic incidents off the Southport coast. Kath Wilson, whose son Geoff Clements drowned while fishing with friends, led efforts to re establish a lifeboat service in Southport.
The RNLI had withdrawn the Southport Lifeboat in 1925, believing the area was adequately covered by Lytham St Anne’s and New Brighton. In response, Kath and a group of supporters established the Southport Independent Lifeboat, which became operational in December 1988. Kath Wilson remains actively involved in the Trust, serving as a Trustee Director and running the charity shop in Birkdale.
The first lifeboat in Southport for nearly 64 years was named Geoff Clements, in memory of Kath’s son. Since its formation in 1988, Southport Lifeboat has assisted in the safe return of over 500 people.
The Trust is committed to equipping its crew with the best tools available to help save lives. The Trust is run entirely by volunteers, and every penny raised is spent locally on life-saving operations. Southport Lifeboat operates from the Southport Lifeboat Station, which opened on Marine Drive in 2022. Today, the service operates two lifeboats, three ATV quad bikes, a mud rescue team, and a drone team, covering an area of 75 square kilometres including beach, dunes, forestry and marshland. Learn more about the Southport Lifeboat For more information please:
Visit the website – www.southport-lifeboat.org.uk
Like themon Facebook – www.facebook.com/SouthportLifeboat
Follow on Instagram – www.instagram.com/southportlifeboat
Connect on LinkedIn – www.linkedin.com/company/southport-offshore-rescue-trust
Watch on YouTube – www.youtube.com/SouthportLifeboat
Join Lifeboat Lotto – http://www.lifeboatlotto.co.uk/join-southport-lifeboat-lotto
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