The IMRF recently joined some of the world’s leading maritime search and rescue (SAR) organisations for an online workshop to address the sustainability and climate resilience of SAR operations.

The workshop, which included representatives from SNSM (France), KNRM (the Netherlands), RNLI (UK and Ireland), SSRS (Sweden) and RS (Norway), focused on sharing environmental strategies, tackling operational challenges, and exploring collaborative opportunities. Crucially, the event underscored the maritime SAR community’s unified approach to sustainability.

The event included several notable presentations from SAR organisations who shed light on their own sustainability strategies and achievements. These include:

• SNSM noted that their carbon footprint data reveal that 43% of their emissions stem from SAR operations and training. They also presented initial results from biofuel and fuel cell tests as a means of reducing carbon intensity without compromising rescue efficiency.
• KNRM detailed that they are aiming for a 90% reduction in CO2 emissions from their fleet by 2035 through the adoption of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil as a fuel.
• RNLI showcased their vision for being carbon zero by 2050 through a dedicated Climate Change Adaptation Management Plan.
• SSRS discussed their new innovations, such as new boat designs that reduce fuel consumption by 50% and use of drones to optimise rescue operations. They also demonstrated their integrated automated detection systems to improve efficiency, reduce search times and save fuel.
• RS introduced their focus on developing environmentally friendly rescue vessels to reduce emissions by 50% by 2030, alongside the introduction of new technologies to improve sustainability efforts.

The workshop concluded with a session that focused on forging partnerships and aligning strategies. SAR organisations shared insights into their challenges, such as managing emissions from supply chains and adapting to extreme weather, while there were additional discussions centred on promoting shared technological solutions, such as real-time fuel monitoring and hydrogen-electric vessel designs. Participants also discussed the complexities of engaging volunteers in sustainability initiatives and balancing costs with environmental goals.

“The workshop underscored the maritime SAR community's unified approach to sustainability. The prevailing view was that SAR organisations must ensure their operations not only save lives but are socially sustainable and protect the environment for future generations.

“While each organisation faces unique challenges, there was consensus on the need for scaling up sustainable fuel use, collaborating on vessel innovation, engaging local communities in climate resilience efforts, and sharing data and best practices to enhance collective impact,” said IMRF International Programme Manager Jaakko Heikkilä, who attended the workshop on behalf of the IMRF.

The IMRF’s #FutureSAR initiative is currently identifying the key challenges the global maritime SAR industry will face as a result of climate change and proposes guidance and best practices that will aid rescue operations in the future. The initiative is the world’s first SAR industry-wide response to the effects of climate change on the maritime SAR sector as coastal communities, maritime activity and the infrastructure that they depend on are exposed to increasing risks. 

The IMRF’s official #FutureSAR report is the first report of its kind that looks into the actions maritime SAR organisations should consider to ensure they are prepared for the impacts of climate change. Click here to read more: https://www.international-maritime-rescue.org/futuresar

If you wish to know more about the workshop or the #FutureSAR campaign, contact Jaakko Heikkilä at [email protected].