At the Irish Sea port of Barrow-in-Furness, England, is headquartered James Fisher and Sons, which marked a major construction milestone with the keel laid of the first of four chemical tankers to be built in China.
The keel-laying ceremony of the newbuild to be named Orca Fisher for the Cumbrian-based company took place in late May at the China Merchants Industry Yangzhou Dingheng Shipyard (YZDH). Of 6,000 deadweight tons (dwt) the leadship is scheduled to join the James Fisher Everard (JFE) fleet from early 2026.
As some Afloat readers may recall, a former fleetmate, the long-serving Galway Fisher, was a regular caller to the Irish midwestern port (see related story) until departing the JFE fleet in 2020. Its replacement at Galway Harbour, Corrib Fisher, continued on the Circle K contract transporting cargoes from the Whitegate refinery in Cork Harbour. On rare occasions both tankers have called to the east coast at Dublin Port.
As for the role of Orca Fisher, the first of four next-generation vessels—known as the Sealife class—is to be introduced as part of James Fisher’s ‘Fleet of the Future,’ a long-term programme to modernise its tankship fleet with more efficient, lower-carbon vessels that support the use of alternative fuel propulsion.
The leadship Orca Fisher, along with its newbuild Sealife class—Narwhal Fisher, Tiger Fisher, and Dolphin Fisher—is scheduled to join the fleet from early 2026. This is to fulfill the long-term demand for mid-sized ships in northwest Europe coastal shipping markets.
Michael Arkley, Product Line Director (Tankships) at James Fisher, commented, This milestone marks more than the start of a hull—it’s a continuation of our ongoing and unwavering commitment to decarbonize the fleet and strengthen operational performance for our customers. 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 programs to date.
The latest program follows the delivery of Sir John Fisher in 2022 and Lady Maria Fisher the following year, as Afloat also reported. 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.
James Fisher continues to invest in fleet renewal, and a critical part of its strategy is to reach net zero by 2050.
