Barrow-based shipowner and marine engineering services contractor James Fisher has celebrated a new milestone in the construction of its liquid national gas dual-fuel chemical tankers at the China Merchants Industry Yangzhou Dingheng Shipyard.
The keel has been laid for the first vessel to be known as Orca Fisher which is the first of four next-generation vessels to be known as the Sealife class.
James Fisher has a long-term programme to modernise its tankships fleet with more efficient, lower-carbon vessels that support the use of alternative fuel propulsion.
The new fleet which include Orca Fisher, Narwhal Fisher, Tiger Fisher and Dolphin Fisher, are scheduled to join the fleet from early 2026.
The company says it will serve ‘long-term demand for mid-sized ships in North-West Europe coastal shipping markets.’
“This milestone marks more than the start of a hull – it’s a continuation of our ongoing and unwavering commitment to decarbonise the fleet and strengthen operational performance for our customers,” Michael Arkley, product line director (tankships) at James Fisher, said.
“It also reflects the depth of collaboration and trust we’ve built with YZDH, Bureau Veritas, Alpha Marine and other key partners across two successful newbuild programmes to date.”
The latest programme follows the delivery of Sir John Fisher and Lady Maria Fisher in 2023. Together, the vessels represent a third of James Fisher’s fleet and a multi-year partnership with YZDH, now responsible for constructing six of its ships.
