Over the years, the partnership between Sjóvá and ICE-SAR has supported numerous initiatives in search and rescue, accident prevention and education. These include the purchase of ICE-SAR’s first three new rescue vessels, to which Sjóvá contributed a total of ISK 142.5 million, the development of the Safetravel mobile app and support for the rescue teams’ Highland Patrol programme.
Sjóvá has also supported the redesign of the Björgvin rescue belt, one of the most effective and fastest means of rescuing a person from the sea, and the installation of these devices at popular tourist destinations. The company has also supported the Icelandic Maritime Safety and Survival Training Centre. In addition, Sjóvá provides insurance coverage for ICE-SAR rescue teams’ property and equipment, as well as essential insurance protection for rescue personnel carrying out their duties.
“We at Sjóvá are extremely proud to have supported ICE-SAR since the organisation was founded in 1999. This partnership reflects one of our core priorities: promoting safety and preventing accidents. Over the years, we have supported a wide range of initiatives, from purchasing rescue vessels and developing safety solutions to education and prevention programmes. It is important to us that our support contributes to stronger rescue operations and greater safety for everyone in Iceland, including both residents and visitors. We see this as a long-term partnership that we are both grateful for and proud of,” says Hermann Björnsson, CEO of Sjóvá.
ICE-SAR’s rescue teams play a vital role in Iceland’s emergency response network. Their operations rely on thousands of volunteers who are ready to respond whenever needed. Reliable support from partners is therefore essential to ensuring that rescue teams across the country remain well-equipped and capable of responding effectively.
“Sjóvá’s support over the years has been extremely important to us at ICE-SAR. Our rescue teams rely on volunteers, and to fulfil their responsibilities, they need high-quality equipment, proper training and dependable support. Our partnership with Sjóvá has enabled us to strengthen our operations in numerous areas, including the acquisition of new rescue vessels, support for the Highland Patrol and important accident prevention initiatives. Equally important is ensuring that our rescue personnel have adequate insurance protection while dedicating their time and efforts to helping others. Having a partner that has stood by us for more than a quarter of a century is invaluable,” says Kristján Þór Harðarson, Executive Director of ICE-SAR.
By renewing their sponsorship agreement, Sjóvá and ICE-SAR reaffirm their commitment to continued cooperation, united by a shared goal of strengthening accident prevention, supporting search and rescue operations and contributing to a safer society.
