Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is welcoming the launch of its latest guest-funded Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) lifeboat, which has just been unveiled at the Kyle of Lochalsh, in the Highlands of Scotland, the company said in a statement. 

"The new lifeboat has been made possible by the generosity of Fred. Olsen guests on board its four cruise ships. In 2009, guests’ donations on board amounted to an amazing £91,000, which enabled Fred. Olsen to reach its target and fund the new £180,000 Atlantic 85 class boat – the fourth to be purchased by Fred. Olsen guests," the company said.

"The name that has been chosen for the new Kyle of Lochalsh inshore lifeboat – nominated by Karen Potter, a recent guest on board Fred. Olsen’s Black Watch cruise ship – is Spirit of Fred. Olsen. Karen said of her choice: “A lot of lifeboats start with the name Spirit, and Fred. Olsen supports the RNLI.” In an online Facebook poll, this name attracted the most votes amongst Fred. Olsen guests.

Over the years, the generous donations of Fred. Olsen’s guests’ on board its ships have funded:

• four inshore lifeboats – the previous lifeboat, B-774 Braemar, went on service in 2001
• three mobile training units
• three seminar rooms at The Lifeboat College in Poole, Dorset
• the development and funding of three DODO (drive-on, drive-off) lifeboat launching trolleys at Mudeford, Cullercoats and Criccieth
• RNLI crew member training programme throughout 2011

In May 2010, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines was presented with a ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ by Royal Patron H.R.H. Prince Michael of Kent in recognition of its ongoing commitment, at the RNLI’s annual awards ceremony at the Barbican Centre, London.