Fred. Olsen and Heart 2 Heart Unite for Lifesaving Liverpool Waterfront Project

Partnership project brings lifesaving equipment and training to one of the city's busiest locations

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has helped bring a new lifesaving resource to Liverpool's iconic waterfront, supporting the installation of a 24-hour public-access defibrillator at the city's busy Pier Head.

The new equipment has been funded by Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines in partnership with charity Heart 2 Heart. The initiative aims to improve public access to defibrillators while raising awareness of the importance of CPR across local communities.

Located in one of Liverpool's most visited waterfront areas, the defibrillator will be available to residents, commuters and visitors who may need emergency assistance. Quick access to both CPR and a defibrillator can significantly improve survival chances during a cardiac arrest before emergency services arrive.

To mark the installation, representatives from Liverpool Cruise Port, Mersey Ferries and The Beatles Story's Fab4 Café joined a CPR training session on board Fred. Olsen's flagship vessel, Bolette. The session was led by Heart 2 Heart founder Jayne Biggs, helping participants gain confidence and practical skills that could one day save a life.

Samantha Stimpson, Chief Executive Officer of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, highlighted the importance of making defibrillators readily available in public spaces.

She said that having accessible defibrillators nearby can make a critical difference during emergencies and that the cruise line is proud to support Heart 2 Heart's efforts to place them where they are needed most.

Stimpson added that the Liverpool waterfront installation represents another important step in the company's commitment to community wellbeing. Alongside the equipment installation, Fred. Olsen has also worked with Liverpool Cruise Port and Mersey Ferries to coordinate CPR training, ensuring more people are equipped with essential lifesaving skills.

New defibrillator available to residents at the city's busy Pier Head in Liverpool

Heart 2 Heart was founded in 2016 by Jayne Biggs after her daughter, Violet, survived a cardiac arrest at the age of seven. Since then, the charity has worked across the UK to improve access to public defibrillators and encourage more people to feel prepared to respond in emergency situations.

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has supported Heart 2 Heart since 2022 and has raised more than £43,000 for the charity. The funds have helped install defibrillators at regional departure ports and in communities where they are most needed, while also supporting CPR awareness programmes for crew members, guests, shoreside teams and local residents.

The Liverpool project also forms part of the Community Engagement and Sustainability partnership announced earlier this year between Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines and Liverpool Cruise Port. The collaboration focuses on delivering positive social and environmental benefits across the waterfront.

John Mawer, General Manager at Liverpool Cruise Port, welcomed the partnership and the positive impact it is having on the city.

He said Liverpool Cruise Port is proud to work alongside Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, Mersey Ferries and Liverpool City Council on the project, adding that the installation demonstrates how organisations across the city can work together to deliver something meaningful for local people.

The new defibrillator installation is expected to be the first of several community-focused initiatives delivered through the partnership during the coming year, reinforcing a shared commitment to supporting both Liverpool residents and visitors alike.