Built to Save Lives. Ready for New Adventures.

Soldian is far more than a vessel – she is a proven offshore legend. Originally commissioned by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), christened by the Duke of Kent and funded by Chevron, she represents one of the most respected lifeboat designs ever built.

During her operational career she participated in numerous rescue missions, including one of the most remarkable rescues in RNLI history, helping save 67 lives in Force 8–10 conditions off the Scottish coast. Today, Soldian offers a unique opportunity to own a genuine piece of maritime history while benefiting from exceptional offshore capability, outstanding engineering and remarkable seaworthiness.

Unlike many vessels that simply resemble expedition boats, Soldian was purpose-built to perform when conditions are at their absolute worst.

 

A True Offshore Expedition Vessel

Designed by the RNLI after decades of offshore rescue experience, the Arun Class became one of the most successful all-weather lifeboat designs ever produced.

At 14.8 metres (52 ft), Soldian combines exceptional strength with long-range capability, self-righting safety and practical functionality. She is equally suited for:

• Expedition cruising
• Scientific and research operations
• Offshore support
• Survey work
• Adventure tourism
• Yacht conversion
• Private exploration

Her remarkably practical layout, enormous reserve buoyancy and proven ocean-going abilities make her a vessel unlike almost anything available on today’s market.

 

Why Soldian Stands Above Other Arun 52s

This particular vessel is widely regarded as one of the finest surviving Arun 52s thanks to numerous desirable factory features and later professional upgrades.

Heavy-Duty Caterpillar Power

Unlike many Arun Class boats fitted with V8 engines, Soldian is equipped with the highly desirable twin Caterpillar D343 inline 6-cylinder diesels, producing 460 hp each.

These renowned commercial engines offer:

• approximately 4,000 operating hours
• excellent reliability
• lower fuel consumption
• strong low-end torque
• worldwide serviceability

The current owner completed a 500 nautical mile non-stop voyage from Iceland to the Faroe Islands, demonstrating the vessel’s genuine long-range capability.

Indicative fuel consumption is approximately 100–150 litres per hour combined at an economical cruising speed of 10–12 knots, depending on weather and sea conditions.

Maximum speed is approximately 18.5 knots.

 

Full GRP Construction

One of Soldian’s greatest advantages is her entirely GRP-built hull and superstructure.

Many Arun Class vessels feature aluminium wheelhouses, but Soldian retains elegant moulded GRP lines throughout.

Benefits include:

• cleaner appearance
• reduced corrosion concerns
• smooth exterior finish
• easier maintenance
• classic RNLI profile

 

Stainless Steel Fuel Tanks

Another major advantage is the installation of stainless steel fuel tanks, avoiding the corrosion and leakage issues that have affected many older Arun vessels fitted with conventional steel tanks.

Practical Offshore Layout

Everything aboard Soldian was designed for operation in extreme weather.

Unlike later RNLI lifeboats with split-level arrangements and angled doors, the Arun features:

• full standing headroom
• straight lower deck
• straight upper deck
• easy movement throughout
• simple, robust watertight doors

This practical arrangement makes operating the vessel significantly easier in rough conditions.

 

Built for the World’s Worst Weather

The Arun Class earned its reputation by operating in conditions where most vessels would seek shelter.

Soldian offers:

• self-righting capability
• enormous reserve buoyancy
• exceptionally strong GRP hull
• heavy-duty commercial construction
• excellent stability
• impressive carrying capacity

The owner reports carrying an additional 1,600 litres of fuel on deck without compromising handling characteristics.

 

Professionally Upgraded

Originally delivered with a single-phase electrical system, Soldian was later extensively upgraded by the Icelandic Search and Rescue organisation (ICE-SAR).

Upgrades include:

• modern three-phase electrical system
• inverter/charger installation
• modern navigation electronics
• autopilot
• dual steering stations
• upper fly steering position with outstanding 360° visibility

 

Safety Equipment

Remaining true to her professional rescue heritage, Soldian remains exceptionally well equipped.

Equipment includes:

• powerful fire-fighting pump
• multiple bilge pumping systems
• emergency generator
• 8-person Viking liferaft (serviced until April 2027)
• Viking-serviced fire extinguishers (April 2027)
• survival suits
• personal flotation devices
• comprehensive spare parts inventory
• recently installed heavy-duty batteries

The Caterpillar engines have also recently been professionally serviced by an authorised Caterpillar dealer in Iceland.

Commercial Advantages

Soldian is registered and classed as a Search & Rescue vessel with permanent registration under Sierra Leone.

Depending on local regulations and intended operation, this classification may provide operational advantages, including eligibility for duty-free bunkering.

Prospective buyers should verify applicable regulations within their intended area of operation.

A Vessel with Proven Heritage

Few boats can tell a story like Soldian.

She was:

• built for the RNLI
• christened by the Duke of Kent
• originally sponsored by Chevron
• operated in frontline rescue service
• credited with helping save 67 lives
• later operated in Iceland
• successfully completed offshore passages in the North Atlantic

This is not simply an old lifeboat.

It is one of the finest surviving examples of one of the world’s most respected rescue vessels.

A Rare Opportunity

Purpose-built expedition vessels with genuine offshore pedigree are becoming increasingly difficult to find.

With her exceptional condition, desirable specification, extensive upgrades and documented rescue history, Soldian represents an outstanding opportunity for anyone seeking an exceptionally capable offshore vessel with character, heritage and proven performance.

Whether retained in her original form or converted into an extraordinary explorer yacht, Soldian is ready for her next chapter.

Technical Specifications

• Name: Soldian
• Model: Arun Class 52 All-Weather Lifeboat
• Builder: William Osborne / Halmatic, United Kingdom
• Year Built: 1978
• Designer: Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI)

Dimensions

• Length Overall (LOA): 14.8 m (52 ft)
• Beam: 5.2 m
• Draft: 2.7 m
• Displacement: Approx. 33 tonnes (32 long tons)

Construction

• Hull Material: Full GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic)
• Superstructure: Full GRP
• Fuel Tanks: Stainless steel

Machinery

• Engines: 2 × Caterpillar D343 heavy-duty inline 6-cylinder diesel engines
• Power: 2 × 460 hp
• Engine Hours: Approx. 4,000 hours
• Cruising Speed: 10–12 knots
• Maximum Speed: Approx. 18.5 knots
• Indicative Fuel Consumption: Approximately 100–150 litres/hour combined at cruising speed (depending on sea conditions)

Electrical & Navigation

• Three-phase electrical system
• Inverter/charger
• Modern navigation electronics
• Autopilot
• Two steering stations
• Upper helm with excellent 360° visibility
• Emergency generator

Safety Equipment

• Self-righting design
• Powerful fire-fighting pump
• Multiple bilge pumping systems
• 8-person Viking liferaft (serviced until April 2027)
• Viking-serviced fire extinguishers (valid until April 2027)
• Survival suits
• Personal flotation devices (PFDs)

Accommodation

• Two cabins
• Three berths
• Full standing headroom
• Straight-deck layout for safe movement throughout the vessel

Additional Equipment

• Extensive inventory of spare parts
• Recently installed heavy-duty batteries
• Engines recently serviced by an authorised Caterpillar dealer

Registration & Classification

• Flag: Sierra Leone
• Classification: Search & Rescue (SAR)
• Current Location: Klaksvík, Faroe Islands

Please contact Glenn Spydslaug at +47 458 18 574