RNLI To Close East Cowes Lifeboat Centre After More Than 60 Years

The RNLI has announced plans to close its Inshore Lifeboat Centre (ILC) in East Cowes by the end of 2027, marking the end of more than six decades of boatbuilding on the site.

Around 70 skilled staff are affected by the proposal, which will see production move to the charity’s main manufacturing base in Poole, Dorset.

A formal consultation with employees is due to take place before a final decision is made next year.

The East Cowes facility, which first opened in 1963, has been responsible for building and refitting the RNLI’s D-class and Atlantic 85 lifeboats — vessels used by crews across the UK and Ireland.

On average, one lifeboat is completed or refurbished every 59 hours at the site.

In 2018, the centre also became home to a Visitor and Heritage Centre, offering free tours and showcasing the RNLI’s long-standing presence in East Cowes.

The charity says the decision to consolidate production is linked to a forecast drop in demand for new inshore lifeboats, with output expected to fall by around a third over the coming years.

It’s also estimated that the East Cowes site would need around £5 million in investment to remain compliant with modern standards, while the Poole site is newer and more capable.

RNLI Chief Engineer and Technical Director Ross Barraclough said:

“Use of the sea around the UK is changing – our data shows 98% of all RNLI rescues now are within 10 nautical miles of the shore, compared to years ago when demand was for commercial fishing further offshore.

“For us to continue saving lives at sea, the charity needs to evolve and respond to changing demand.

“This change represents a major shift for our production teams, and while it’s a difficult decision, we need to ensure we can operate efficiently and sustainably.

"We fully recognise the dedication and commitment of our East Cowes team and will be supporting them through this process.”

The closure would bring an end to more than 60 years of maritime manufacturing in East Cowes and represents another blow for the Island’s industrial sector.

It follows a difficult year for the Isle of Wight job market, with redundancies also announced at Vestas, Wyld, Hovertravel, Kingswood, Snows Isle of Wight, Liz Earle, GTI Glazing, and the National Trust.