• 3 min de lectura
• 3 min de lectura
James Fisher and Sons reached another milestone in its "Future Fleet" investment program with the christening of the Orca Fisher, the first of four new Sealife class chemical tankers, designed to meet the growing customer demand for safer, more efficient, and lower-emission coastal shipping.
Held alongside HMS Belfast on the River Thames, the ceremony brought together clients, colleagues, shipbuilding partners, and industry stakeholders to celebrate and acknowledge the collaboration behind James Fisher's most significant fleet investments in recent years.
Along with its sister vessels Narwhal Fisher, Tiger Fisher, and Dolphin Fisher, the Orca Fisher leads the new generation of UK coastal shipping. As customers in the energy and industrial sectors seek to reduce emissions in their supply chains without compromising reliability, Sealife class vessels combine the ability to use LNG as a dual fuel with technologies that reduce fuel consumption, improve operational performance, and enhance safety.
The ships incorporate various engineering innovations to improve efficiency both at sea and in port. An optimized hull, streamlined propulsion systems, and an integrated rudder and propeller design enhance sailing performance, while waste heat recovery technology harnesses energy from cooling water, exhaust gases, and onboard systems to improve energy efficiency in port.
Smart connectivity and advanced safety systems, including Starlink, contribute to safer and more efficient operations, as well as improved crew well-being.
The christening ceremony also follows the recent appointments of Rob Hales as Head of Shipping, and Guy Barker, Product Line Director for James Fisher Tankships, who will lead the next phase of the Future Fleet program.
Hales stated that "the christening of the Orca Fisher represents much more than just the unveiling of a new vessel. Our customers are looking for partners who can help them transport essential cargo safely, reliably, and with a lower environmental impact. The Sealife class has been developed based on these needs, combining operational resilience with technologies that improve efficiency and reduce emissions."
"By investing in a modern fleet today, we help ensure that coastal shipping remains future-ready, while continuing to offer the expertise and reliable service that our customers expect from us," Hales added.
Jean Vernet, Chief Executive Officer of James Fisher and Sons, noted that "the future of coastal shipping will be shaped by operators who improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact. The Orca Fisher and its sister vessels represent a significant step on this path, reflecting our commitment to investing in vessels prepared to meet the changing needs of our customers and the markets in which we operate."
"Fleet renewal is fundamental to our strategy, as it allows us to offer more efficient and lower-emission transport solutions, while generating long-term value for our customers, our staff, and our company," Vernet concluded.
