
James Fisher has a long history, from its origins in the nineteenth century Barrow hematite trade, to its position today as a global marine services company.
Over the decades, James Fisher has evolved from a traditional shipping company into a global marine services company operating in the global Blue Economy. Since our first expansion into deep-sea operations in the 1980s, we now offer a range of unique capabilities, from submarine rescues and ship-to-ship fuel transfers to marine protection through bubble curtain technology. We have retained our operational roots with 17 purpose-built tankers delivering petrol, diesel, and heating fuel to the ports of England and Wales. Our head office remains in Barrow-in-Furness, where the firm began in 1847, at Fisher House, which Sir John Fisher secured for the company’s future in 1965.

1847
Originally founded in 1847 in Barrow-in-Furness, the company was started by James Fisher, the son of a yeoman farmer, who created a family run shipping business with a fleet of ships to transport iron-rich haematite from the Cumbrian hills to support the Industrial Revolution.
Over the decades, the firm transformed from a traditional shipping company into a leading provider of marine and specialist technical services worldwide.
We’re proud of our unique heritage, and it's part of what makes our company special.

1840s
James Fisher foresaw the growing demand for iron ore driven by the expansion of the railways.
By harnessing Barrow-in-Furness’s abundant mineral resources, he exemplified the pioneering spirit that would come to define the company.

1883
In 1883, the company marked a turning point by taking delivery of its first steamer, initiating a tradition that endures to this day—naming vessels by pairing the firm’s name with water-related terms. Despite challenging trading conditions, the vision to modernise the fleet drove the transition from wooden to steel-hulled sailing ships and laid the foundation for a new era of steam-powered vessels.

1952
James Fisher and Sons became a public limited company on 17 October 1952, marking a significant milestone in its history. On that morning, six million five-shilling ordinary shares were quoted for the first time on the London Stock Exchange. Sir John Fisher sought to secure the company’s future through this pivotal step.

1965
James Fisher's longstanding relationship with the nuclear industry began in 1965 with the conversion of Stream Fisher to transport irradiated nuclear fuel. This pioneering adaptation fulfilled the unique demands of the nuclear sector and showcased the company’s ability to tackle complex challenges. As the first vessel equipped for this purpose, Stream Fisher became the forerunner of the transport division of British Nuclear Fuels Limited.

1996
Building on the acquisition of Coe Metcalf Shipping a decade earlier, the company further expanded by acquiring P&O Tankships Ltd, establishing itself as the leading operator of product tankers in North-West Europe.

2005
In 2005, the acquisition of Fendercare Marine marked the beginning of a period of strategic, targeted growth, driving James Fisher's transformation from a traditional shipping company into a broader marine services provider.

2012
James Fisher celebrates its 165th anniversary this year, with double digit growth rates and record-breaking profits.
The company further expanded its wider marine services offering with additional strategic acquisitions, creating significant growth.

2015
James Fisher expanded into the offshore renewables sector. The award of a major support contract for the construction of Galloper Windfarm in 2015 represented a significant turning point in the company's advancement within the renewables market.

2019
James Fisher has made several significant acquisitions, including SM Continental, further expanding the company's extensive portfolio of group capabilities and enhancing its specialised expertise.

2023
Launched a transformation programme that moved James Fisher from a portfolio of individual businesses to a stronger, more cohesive company. This transformation restructured James Fisher into three Divisions: Energy, Defence and Maritime Transport.

The Sir John Fisher foundation
The Sir John Fisher Foundation is an independent charitable trust founded by Sir John Fisher.
Founded in 1980 by Sir John Fisher and Lady Maria Fisher, the Sir John Fisher Foundation (the Foundation) is an independent charitable trust continuing the legacy of the Fisher family.
The Foundation’s objective is to distribute income to charitable causes throughout the UK focused on seafarers and the Arts, but with special regard to charitable causes in the following six categories:
- Maritime
- Medical and disability
- Education
- Music
- Arts
- Community
The Sir John Fisher Foundation gives priority to projects that are for the benefit of those living in Barrow-in-Furness and the Furness peninsula, seeking to meet the needs of the vulnerable and disadvantaged, which is where James Fisher and Sons plc is registered and maintains its headquarters.
The Foundation owns over 22% of the company's ordinary share capital, acting independently to distribute the dividend income received from that shareholding and other interests to its chosen charitable causes.

Sir John and Lady Maria Fisher
Sir John Fisher, grandson to the company's founder, became sole proprietor in 1915 and was involved in the business until 1980.
With no immediate family, Sir John gave a substantial proportion of his shares in James Fisher and Sons plc to The Sir John Fisher Foundation, so it could continue his and his wife’s considerable charity work.
Lady Maria Fisher was a famous pre-war opera singer (Maria Elsner). Married to Sir John Fisher in 1947, they jointly established the Foundation. The couple took deep personal interest in many social and charitable organisations within Barrow, giving personal support as well as financial aid.
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