James Fisher: First of four LNG dual-fuel tankers begins construction at Chinese shipyard

Shipowner and marine engineering solutions provider James Fisher and Sons (James Fisher) on Thursday (3 July) said it has marked a major construction milestone in the build of its LNG dual-fuel chemical tankers at the China Merchants Industry Yangzhou Dingheng Shipyard (YZDH).  

The company said the keel was laid for Orca Fisher, the first of four vessels in the Sealife class, in late May. 

The vessels were 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 fleet – which include 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) at 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.  

Manifold Times previously reported James Fisher ordering four new LNG dual fuel tankers from China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Yangzhou) Dingheng.

Related: James Fisher orders LNG dual-fuel tanker quartet from Chinese shipyard

Photo credit: James Fisher and Sons
Published: 4 July, 2025