Newhaven RNLI is thrilled to announce a new partnership with their neighbours DFDS. Leading European ferry operator DFDS will support Newhaven RNLI fundraising and awareness building activities, helping in the charity’s mission to save lives at sea.
Susan Carroll, Chair of the Lifeboat Management Group for Newhaven RNLI, says: ‘We are incredibly grateful for the support of our neighbours at DFDS. Their commitment to the RNLI will make a significant difference in our ability to continue providing essential rescue services to those in need along the Newhaven coastline.’
Saturday 7 June is the first of three scheduled return Dieppe journeys that Newhaven RNLI volunteers, along with the charity’s mascot Stormy Stan, will make this season to collect donations directly from passengers on board the ferry service.
‘DFDS is already hosting two RNLI collection boxes in the Newhaven ferry terminal waiting room, where passengers can donate directly to the charity.’
The partnership between Newhaven RNLI and DFDS has launched with a range of fundraising and awareness-building activities planned throughout this year.
On Sunday 25 May Newhaven RNLI fundraising volunteers will be taking bucket collections for the charity from passengers waiting to board the ferry.
‘The RNLI relies entirely on voluntary donations. Newhaven’s all-weather and in-shore lifeboats play a vital role in keeping the Newhaven and visiting community safe.’
‘Moreover, it is the dedication of our volunteers, who generously give their time undertaking a huge amount of planning and logistics that makes this happen. The RNLI is grateful for its committed fundraising and events team.’
Newhaven RNLI have invited staff of DFDS and their port agents LCT Support Services to the lifeboat station. The planned visit will include a tour of the crew and kit room, as well as a visit aboard Newhaven RNLI's Severn class all-weather lifeboat.
Steff Goux, DFDS Terminal Operations Supervisor, says: ‘As a service with deep roots in the Newhaven community, we are honoured to support Newhaven RNLI and the critical work they do. DFDS is committed to supporting local organisations and initiatives that make a positive impact on the region.’
Ends
Notes for the Editor
Newhaven Lifeboat Station was first established in 1803. Newhaven Lifeboat Station has been RNLI operated since 1854. Newhaven Volunteer Crew have operated their current all-weather lifeboat (ALB), the Severn class ‘David and Elizabeth Acland’ for 25 years. Newhaven RNLI also operates a D class inshore lifeboat (ILB) that began its two-year trial of service in August 2024.
The Danish company, DFDS (Det Forenede Dampskibs-Selskab) is a leading European ferry service, connecting passengers and freight between the UK and the European continent. DFDS has operated the ferry route between Newhaven and Dieppe since 2012. The service initially began in the 1850’s with passenger ferries. A car ferry service was introduced in 1964.
LCT Support Services provides check-in and marshalling services to Transmanche Ferries. LCT also provides stevedoring, security and all unaccompanied trailer services for the port of Newhaven.
RNLI media contacts
For more information, please telephone Roz Ashton, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07900 887423 or
[email protected] or Hatti Mellor, National Media Manager on 01273 818012
[email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.
RNLI Newhaven social media
Instagram: @newhavenrnli
Facebook: @NewhavenRNLI
Twitter: @NewhavenRNLI
RNLI online
For more information, please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the RNLI News Centre.
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.
