Scania UK has extended its ‘Scania Family’ by partnering with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), to help the charity continue saving lives at sea.

The announcement comes on the day the volunteer-led organisation commemorates its 200th anniversary, and in the same year Scania UK acknowledges its 60th birthday too.

Considered the fourth Emergency Service, the RNLI operates 449 lifeboats from 238 stations and provides a seasonal lifeguard service on around 240 beaches.

Chris Newitt, Managing Director for Scania UK, said: “We recognise the importance of the RNLI’s work keeping people safe at sea, which is why partnering with such an organisation is a privilege. To celebrate your bicentenary is some achievement, and at Scania, we can play our part in helping the RNLI save lives for another 200 years, through fundraising and continued support.

“Our shared values and ability to bring people together is what makes this such a great partnership.”

Jamie Chestnutt, RNLI Director for Engineering and Supply, said: “Scania and the RNLI’s longstanding supplier relationship is a testament to the partnership we have built today.

“This multi-year partnership sees Scania not only continue to provide the Shannon class lifeboats with the engines we require to operate around the coasts of the UK and the Republic of Ireland, but also raises funds to support the organisation’s vital work, as we look to build out our lifesaving capacity for another 200 years.

“We’re delighted to extend the scope of our relationship and look forward to furthering operational efficiencies and understanding sustainable powertrain development while championing the work we both do on and off the water, and our commitment to saving lives at sea.”

The three-year partnership will see Scania UK support the charity’s ongoing operations through fundraising activities across its UK business. And builds on existing support for the RNLI’s vehicles, which use Scania Power Solutions engines.

These include both the RNLI’s Shannon Class all-weather lifeboat and the Shannon Launch and Recovery System (SLARS)