Speed saves life

RS ‘Idar Ulstein’ is the first vessel in the new ‘Ulstein class’, named after ULSTEIN’s long-time CEO. RS ‘Idar Ulstein’ was named by lady sponsor Gunvor Ulstein in a ceremony in Ulsteinvik.

The 22 metre rescue vessel has a top speed close to 40 knots. By using powerful twin engines and a water jet, she combines high speed with large bollard pull. RS ‘Idar Ulstein’ is outfitted with the latest in modern equipment for tackling demanding rescue operations in difficult weather conditions.

“Short response time is essential to saving lives at sea. With RS ‘Idar Ulstein’ we combine a high-speed vessel with the size needed to operate in the demanding coastal regions,” says Nicolai Jarlsby, President of the Norwegian Society for Sea Rescue (RS)

38 million cost
The Search and Rescue (SAR) vessel is operated by a crew of three; captain, mate and chief. She will primarily serve coastal, fishing and recreational vessels. As well as emergency lifesaving and rescue, the vessel is designed to perform operations including towing, salvage, diving missions, fire, ambulance and medical transportation. The vessel is equipped with the latest in radar technology and an advanced thermal camera. This makes RS ‘Idar Ulstein’ a complete rescue vessel.

Ulstein Group has financed the major part of the total NOK 38 million costs. The boat will be stationed in Fosnavåg, and succeed the RS ’Emmy Dyvi’, which is currently based there.

“This is a gift in memory of Idar Ulstein, Ulstein Group’s CEO and Chair of the Board through many years, who passed away in 2012. Idar Ulstein was a great supporter of RS. This donation, honouring his life and contribution to the maritime industry, will potentially help save the lives of many people experiencing difficulties off the Norwegian coast,” says Tore Ulstein, Chair of the Board in Ulstein Group.

RS ‘Idar Ulstein’ has been built at Swede Ship Marine, Sweden. The RS has an option of building three new SAR vessels in the Ulstein class.

Modernising the RS fleet is essential. “We still have older vessels stationed along the Norwegian coast. We aim to find donators who can help us financing more vessels in the Ulstein class,” comments Nicolai Jarlsby.

FACTS - RS 158 «Idar Ulstein»

Main characteristics
Length: 22 m
Beam: 6.26 m
Depth: 1.2 m
Propulsion: Rolls-Royce water jet
Engines: Two MTU, each of 1660 hp
Bollard pull: 12 tons
Max speed: 38 knots
Building material: Aluminiuum
Working deck with towing winch
Fire capacity of 4000 liters per minute

For more information:

Nicolai Jarlsby, President Norwegian Society for Sea Rescue + 47 916 27 940/ nicolai@pedika.no

Frode Pedersen, Head of communication, NSSR + 47 907 22 391/frodep@rs.no