Shipowner and marine engineering solutions provider James Fisher and Sons on Wednesday (22 July) said it has marked another milestone with the naming of Orca Fisher, the first of its new Sealife class chemical tankers to enter service, on the River Thames in London. 

Orca Fisher is the first of four Sealife class vessels, alongside Narwhal Fisher, Tiger Fisher and Dolphin Fisher.

As customers across the energy and industrial sectors seek to reduce emissions across their supply chains without compromising reliability, the Sealife class vessels combine dual-fuel LNG capability with technologies that reduce fuel consumption, improve operational performance and enhance safety. 

The vessels incorporate a range of engineering innovations to improve efficiency both at sea and in port. An optimised hull form, propulsion optimisation systems and integrated rudder and propeller design enhance performance underway, while waste heat recovery technology captures energy from cooling water, exhaust gases and onboard systems to improve energy efficiency alongside. 

The naming ceremony also follows the recent appointments of Rob Hales as Head of Maritime Transport and Guy Barker, Product Line Director for James Fisher Tankships who will lead the next phase of the Fleet of the Future programme. 

Rob Hales, Head of Maritime Transport at James Fisher and Sons, said: “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.

“By investing in a modern fleet today, we’re helping ensure coastal shipping remains fit for the future while continuing to deliver the expertise and dependable service our customers trust us to deliver.”

Jean Vernet, Chief Executive Officer at James Fisher and Sons, said: “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.

“Fleet renewal is central to our strategy, enabling us to provide more efficient, lower-emission transport solutions while creating long-term value for customers, our people and our business.”

Photo credit: James Fisher and Sons
Published: 27 July, 2026

Clean energy production solutions provider Stabilis Solutions (Stabilis) on Friday (24 July) said the proposed Stabilis Galveston LNG Facility is anticipated to be in production by the third quarter of 2028. 

It will come complete with the delivery of the first new-build, dedicated Jones Act-compliant LNG bunker barge in the Galveston/Houston area.

“This is a significant regulatory and project milestone for Stabilis,” the company said. 

This comes following Stabilis receiving a Letter of Recommendation (LOR) from the US Coast Guard following their formal review of the proposed Stabilis Galveston LNG Facility and associated waterfront LNG loading, marine transportation, and LNG bunkering operations in the Port of Galveston.

“This critical endorsement of our project from the USCG Captain of the Port to the Port of Galveston and the Galveston Fire Marshal comes after a rigorous safety and security review process,” it said.

“This included a comprehensive evaluation of the potential risks, including navigation hazards, vessel traffic density impacts, emergency response capabilities, maritime security threats, and application of appropriate mitigation measures.” 

Manifold Times previously reported Stabilis terminating a previously announced 10-year agreement with a leading investment-grade global marine operator to supply LNG from the company’s proposed 350,000 gallon-per-day Galveston liquefaction facility.

As a result, the company expected delays to the anticipated final investment decision, project financing, and development timeline for the Galveston LNG facility. 

Related: Stabilis Solutions terminates 10-year LNG supply deal, expects delay in Galveston project

Photo credit: Stabilis Solutions
Published: 24 July, 2026

French shipping giant CMA CGM on Wednesday (22 July) said it has recently named the second ship in a series of 24,000 TEU liquefied natural gas (LNG) dual-fuel ultra-large container ships (ULCS).

The Group’s latest ship, CMA CGM PANTHEON, the sister ship to CMA CGM NOTRE DAME, has joined the company’s fleet under the French flag. 

During the ceremony, the vessel was welcomed by her Master, Captain Benoit LE DREAU, and her godmother, Ms. Xiao Wang, Director of Programming & Screening at the Shanghai International Film Festival, following maritime tradition.

“Soon to operate on the FAL1 service connecting Asia with Europe, CMA CGM PANTHEON embodies our commitment to supporting global trade while accelerating the energy transition in shipping,” the company said in a social media post. 

Related: BV classes CMA CGM’s first LNG dual-fuel ULCS in newbuild series

Photo credit: CMA CGM
Published: 24 July, 2026