Shipping company James Fisher and Sons has marked a construction milestone in the build of its new chemical tankers, as the keel was laid for the first vessel – ‘Orca Fisher’ – at the China Merchants Industry Yangzhou Dingheng Shipyard (YZDH).
Orca Fisher is the first of four next-generation vessels – known as the Sealife class – introduced as part of James Fisher’s ‘Fleet of the Future’, 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 vessels – which includes Orca Fisher, Narwhal Fisher, Tiger Fisher and Dolphin Fisher – are scheduled to join the fleet from early 2026, fulfilling the long-term demand for mid-sized ships in North-West Europe coastal shipping markets.
Michael Arkley, Product Line Director (Tankships), James Fisher, said: “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. 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 successful 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. James Fisher says it continues to invest in safe, smart maritime solutions that respond to evolving energy and logistics needs – with fleet renewal a critical part of its strategy to reach net zero by 2050.
Image: James Fisher’s Sealife class shipbuilding team at YZDH (source: James Fisher and Sons)
