James Fisher and Sons has named the Orca Fisher, the first of four new dual-fuel LNG Sealife-class chemical tankers designed to modernize its coastal shipping fleet. Equipped with advanced energy-saving technology and Starlink connectivity, the vessel marks a major milestone in the company’s Fleet of the Future program to reduce emissions and improve efficiency.
London, UK | July 22, 2026 – Leading marine and shipping specialist James Fisher and Sons plc has officially celebrated a major milestone in its ongoing fleet modernization strategy, hosting the naming ceremony for the Orca Fisher on the River Thames alongside the historic HMS Belfast.
The event marks the introduction of the first of four new “Sealife” class chemical tankers designed to meet surging customer demand for safer, highly efficient, and lower-emission UK coastal shipping solutions.
Next-Generation Sealife Class Innovation
The Orca Fisher, alongside her upcoming sister vessels, Narwhal Fisher, Tiger Fisher, and Dolphin Fisher, represents James Fisher’s most significant fleet investment in recent years. Engineered for the evolving needs of the energy and industrial sectors, the new tankships combine dual-fuel LNG capability with advanced technologies aimed at shrinking supply chain emissions.
The vessels feature a comprehensive suite of engineering innovations to optimize performance both at sea and in port:
- Hydrodynamic Efficiency: An optimized hull form coupled with integrated rudder and propeller design, plus propulsion optimization systems.
- Waste Heat Recovery: Advanced systems capture thermal energy from cooling water, exhaust gases, and onboard networks to boost energy efficiency while berthed or alongside.
- Smart Ship Connectivity: High-speed Starlink connectivity and digital ship systems empower data-driven, safer operations while significantly enhancing crew wellbeing and communications at sea.
Strengthening Leadership for the Fleet of the Future
The milestone comes hot on the heels of key organizational appointments aimed at guiding the next phase of the investment programme, including Rob Hales as Head of Maritime Transport and Guy Barker as Product Line Director for James Fisher Tankships.
Speaking at the naming ceremony alongside customers, shipbuilding partners, and maritime stakeholders, Rob Hales, Head of Maritime Transport, emphasized the strategic importance of the rollout “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.”
Jean Vernet, Chief Executive Officer at James Fisher and Sons plc, added “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.”
About James Fisher and Sons plc
James Fisher and Sons plc is a leading global marine, engineering, and specialist shipping services provider operating across the energy, maritime transport, and defense sectors. Headquartered in the UK, the company leverages its centuries-old maritime heritage to deliver critical infrastructure, coastal shipping, and offshore support, while actively driving industry-wide decarbonization and fleet modernization through advanced, lower-emission vessel investments.
Source: James Fisher and Sons