Orca Fisher becomes the first of four next-generation Sealife-class chemical tankers as James Fisher advances its Fleet of the Future investment programme
James Fisher & Sons has officially named Orca Fisher, the first of four new Sealife-class chemical tankers that will form the backbone of its next-generation coastal shipping fleet, marking another significant milestone in the company’s Fleet of the Future investment programme.
The naming ceremony, held alongside HMS Belfast on the River Thames, brought together customers, employees, shipbuilding partners and industry stakeholders to celebrate the arrival of the new vessel and recognise the collaboration behind one of James Fisher’s largest fleet investments in recent years.
Together with her sister vessels – Narwhal Fisher, Tiger Fisher and Dolphin Fisher – Orca Fisher is leading the next generation of UK coastal shipping. As customers across the energy and industrial sectors seek to reduce emissions across their supply chains without compromising reliability, the Sealife class vessels combine dual-fuel LNG capability with technologies that reduce fuel consumption, improve operational performance and enhance safety.
The vessels incorporate a range of engineering innovations to improve efficiency both at sea and in port. An optimised hull form, propulsion optimisation systems and integrated rudder and propeller design enhance performance underway, while waste heat recovery technology captures energy from cooling water, exhaust gases and onboard systems to improve energy efficiency alongside. Smart Ship connectivity and advanced safety systems – including Starlink connectivity – further support safer, more efficient operations and improved crew wellbeing.
The naming ceremony also follows the recent appointments of Rob Hales as Head of Maritime Transport and Guy Barker, Product Line Director for James Fisher Tankships who will lead the next phase of the Fleet of the Future programme.
Rob Hales, Head of Maritime Transport at James Fisher and Sons plc, said: The naming of Orca Fisher represents far more than the introduction of a new vessel. Our customers are looking for partners who can help them move essential cargo safely, reliably and with a lower environmental footprint. The Sealife class has been developed around those needs, combining operational resilience with technologies that improve efficiency and reduce emissions.
By investing in a modern fleet today, we’re helping ensure coastal shipping remains fit for the future while continuing to deliver the expertise and dependable service our customers trust us to deliver.
Jean Vernet, Chief Executive Officer at James Fisher and Sons plc, said: The future of coastal shipping will be shaped by operators that can improve efficiency while reducing environmental impact. Orca Fisher and her sister vessels are an important step in that journey, reflecting our commitment to investing in vessels that are ready to meet the evolving needs of our customers and the markets we serve.
Fleet renewal is central to our strategy, enabling us to provide more efficient, lower-emission transport solutions while creating long-term value for customers, our people and our business.
