A Brief History of Shannon Class Lifeboats in RNLI service
Prepared by Geoff Coughlin (July 2025)
Airfix RNLI Shannon Class Lifeboat scale model built by Geoff Coughlin
Barmouth Shannon class lifeboat Ella Larsen, 13-30. Commissioned 2019. Photo Plucas58
With the release of the Airfix RNLI Shannon Class Lifeboat kit, I thought it might be useful to offer a bit more detail on these boats by way of context.
A Here-Now In-Box Browse of the Airfix RNLI Shannon Class Lifeboat can be found in SMN
A full build of the Airfix RNLI Shannon Class Lifeboat kit is also available in SMN
The Shannon class lifeboat is the latest all-weather lifeboat in the RNLI fleet, introduced in 2013 to replace older classes like the Mersey and Tyne. It’s the first modern all-weather lifeboat to utilise waterjets instead of propellers, making it incredibly agile and manoeuvreable, especially in shallow waters and during beach landings. The Shannon is also known for its rapid launch and recovery system, enhancing its operational capabilities.
A bit more detail…
Introduction and Design
The first Shannon-class lifeboat, named “The Morrell,” entered service in 2014 after being demonstrated at Dungeness. It was the first to be built in-house at the RNLI’s All-weather Lifeboat Centre in Poole, Dorset. The Shannon class is designed for launching and recovery from beaches, slipways, or while afloat.
Waterjet Propulsion
The Shannon’s defining feature is its waterjet propulsion system. This system, replacing traditional propellers, allows for superior maneuverability and the ability to operate in very shallow water, as well as intentional beaching if needed. Enhanced Speed and Agility: The Shannon boasts a top speed of 25 knots, making it about 50% faster than the Mersey class lifeboats it replaced. The waterjets contribute to its enhanced agility and maneuverability.
Crew Comfort and Safety
The Shannon incorporates features like sprung crew seats, similar to the Tamar class lifeboats, to reduce the impact of heavy seas. It also uses a similar Systems and Information Management System (SIMS) to the Tamar, enabling the crew to operate all systems collaboratively from their seats.
Construction and Technology
The Shannon is built at the RNLI’s All-weather Lifeboat Centre, with a focus on precision and efficiency in the build process. The hull and wheelhouse are permanently joined early in the process, and components are fitted using pre-positioned pads and fixings, similar to assembling flatpack furniture, to streamline the process after painting.
Future of the Fleet
The Shannon class represents a significant upgrade in the RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat capabilities. The RNLI plans to build a total of 50 Shannon class lifeboats. They are gradually replacing older classes like the Mersey and Tyne, and also the Severn class lifeboats are undergoing life extension.
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