James Fisher christens LNG dual-fuel tanker Lady Maria Fisher

UK-based maritime service provider James Fisher has christened its latest LNG dual-fuel 6,000 dwt chemical tanker, as part of the next phase of its ‘fleet of the future’.

The christening ceremony took place at the Port of Sunderland, the UK, on January 10.

“The official naming of the Lady Maria Fisher today stands as a testament to the dedication and collaboration of our fantastic colleagues and industry partners. This journey has not been without its challenges, including the construction and commissioning delivered safely throughout the COVID-19 epidemic. We have rallied together, demonstrating resilience and perseverance, which we can all celebrate in today’s ceremony,” Krystyna Tsochlas, Head of Maritime Transport at James Fisher, said.

The christening of Lady Maria Fisher follows the introduction of Sir John Fisher, which was delivered to the company in November 2022.

Lady Maria Fisher was built by China Merchants Jinling (CMJL) shipyard and handed over to James Fisher almost a year ago.

Since entering service in 2023 Sir John Fisher and Lady Maria Fisher have primarily serviced our long-time customer P66 with plans for work around the coastline of Northern Europe, allowing James Fisher Everard to service further existing long-term contracts.

Developed with sustainability at the fore, the innovative construction and vessel design brings enhanced hydrodynamic performance, boosts efficiency and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. This reduction helps lower industry scope three emissions and will allow James Fisher customers to deliver on its sustainability targets.

Compared to traditional design, the vessel is capable of achieving a 45 percent reduction in carbon emissions, in addition to a 93 percent reduction in NOx and 45 percent reduction in SOx, with the added capability of further reducing emissions while in port as well as at sea.

“With over 175 years of rich history in maritime, we’re ideally positioned to introduce new and innovative solutions for a more sustainable future – and this vessel is no different. Reducing carbon emissions across the transportation sector is critically important if we are to meet the needs of a low carbon future. Our continued investment in developing the fleet of the future signals James Fisher’s firm company commitment to achieving those targets,” Jean Vernet, CEO of James Fisher, commented.

In October 2023, James Fisher had been linked to an order for up to four dual-fuel LNG tankers in China. The ship quartet was ordered from China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Yangzhou), according to Intermodal shipbrokers.