• Transport and infrastructure

'King' and 'Kestrel' join the Fisher fleet

Two new state-of-the-art vessels entered service with James Fisher Everard (JFE) during 2013, reinforcing the company’s position as one of Europe’s most modern and well-equipped small tanker fleets.

With the retirement of the Steersman early in 2013, JFE secured two new vessels from one of Europe’s leading shipyards, Damen, of Bergum, the Netherlands.

Neil Burns, fleet director at JFE, managed the addition of the two slightly larger tonnage vessels:

“Not only do these new ships reinforce the company’s reputation for responsive service and strong focus on safety but the business is now ideally configured to meet the demands and requirements of our customers - in terms of its high quality vessels and crew and its shore-based operations.”

In keeping with a longstanding tradition within the industry, the launch ceremony of the first vessel – the King Fisher, in June – was overseen by a ‘Godmother’ who christens the ship’s bow with a bottle of champagne. This role was performed by Petra Gaensbacher, manager, commercial marine Europe/Asia, of energy and logistics company Phillips 66.

Neil commented:

“Petra was an obvious choice for Godmother. She is a very important customer - we undertake numerous commercial voyages for Phillips 66 from Immingham along the east coast of the UK and to the Scottish islands plus multiple spot voyages. Petra has the highest interest in the safety and security of each vessel loaded with Phillips 66 cargo at sea.”

Kestrel Fisher joins the fleet

The second launch ceremony, for the Kestrel Fisher, followed in October, where the ship was formally launched by Michelle Hartnup of Murco Petroleum Limited; another valued customer of JFE with more than 450 retail filling stations throughout the UK.

Upon presentation of a ceremonial megaphone by Michelle, the ship’s master Mirek Holk commented:

“I am honoured to be commanding this state-of-the-art vessel and grateful to Michelle for launching the ship for us and providing such an interesting memento of the occasion.”