Marine and shipping solutions firm James Fisher & Sons has officially named its newest LNG dual-fuel chemical tanker, the Orca Fisher, at a ceremony held alongside HMS Belfast in London.

The Orca Fisher is the first of four new Sealife-class chemical tankers being introduced under the company's Fleet of the Future programme, the firm announced in a statement on its website on Wednesday.

Three sister vessels — the Narwhal Fisher, Tiger Fisher, and Dolphin Fisher — are scheduled to follow.

The dual-fuel LNG vessel has been designed to improve fuel efficiency, reduce emissions, and enhance safety for UK coastal shipping operations. The ships feature dual-fuel LNG propulsion, an optimised hull design, propulsion efficiency systems, and waste heat recovery technology aimed at cutting fuel consumption.

The investment comes as the maritime industry faces tightening environmental regulations, including the International Maritime Organization's strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the European Union's inclusion of shipping in its emissions trading system starting in 2024. LNG dual-fuel technology has emerged as one of several transitional pathways shipowners are adopting to meet near-term compliance targets while longer-term zero-carbon fuels remain under development.

"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," said Jean Vernet, CEO of James Fisher and Sons.

Source: Ship & Bunker