James Fisher Marine Services’s (JFMS) multi-purpose wind farm support vessel, Dart Fisher, has been formally named by the vessel’s Godmother Maria McCaffery MBE, CEO of RenewableUK at a dedication service held at Griffon Hoverwork, Southampton.
The service, attended by key customers, partners and The Right Worshipful the Mayor of Southampton, Councillor Sue Blatchford was delivered by Mission to Seafarers chaplain John Attenborough and marks the completion of significant investment programme to increase Dart Fisher’s operational capabilities and demonstrate innovative monitoring solutions to enhance safety and efficiency.
Maria McCaffery commented: “It gave me great honour and privilege to bless the Dart Fisher and I wish the vessel and her crew every success in future operations. I was delighted to take part in the dedication ceremony and learn about the vessel’s capabilities”.
After taking delivery of the first of type SMV 24 vessel from Supacat on the 14 April 2014, Dart Fisher established a new precedent by entering service on charter two days later. A full programme during the remainder of the year on the East and West coasts of the UK and in German Waters provided limited opportunity to observe the tradition of a formal naming ceremony and appointment of a Godmother.
The selection of the name follows long standing tradition established over 168 years of vessel ownership and operation within James Fisher with vessels named after eminent British and Irish rivers and recognises the designer and builder of the vessel, Supacat Ltd, based in Honiton, Devon.
Image: James Fisher