James Fisher, a leading provider of innovative marine solutions and specialised engineering services, has signed a charter agreement with Go Marine Group for the exclusive use of the multi-purpose service vessel, Go Electra, adding much needed security for customers amid cost and supply chain crunches in the industry.

The agreement will see the boat used, throughout the remainder of 2022, by its marine group companies James Fisher Renewables (JF Renewables) and James Fisher Subtech (JF Subtech). 

The long-standing agreement will see quicker response times and tailored health and safety standards implemented, as well as stabilised and reliable day rates for customers. In addition, there will be an increase in operational uptime, with a consistent crew and shortened mobilisation and demobilisation times between projects resulting in boosted productivity and sustainability due to fewer overall transits to shore.

Putting sustainability and efficiency at the forefront of decision making, James Fisher selected the Go Electra following an extensive vessel research and evaluation process. The Go Electra was built in 2011 and measures at around 80m in length with DP2 capabilities, it has an onboard capacity for 66 crew and passengers.

Go Electra
Go Electra

With an established North Sea operating record, the Go Electra will be mobilised in and around UK waters, largely on unexploded ordnance identification with remotely operated vehicles (ROV), IMR activities and air diving projects, core services for both James Fisher Renewables and James Fisher Subtech. The vessel will be configured with a fully integrated, hanger deployed WROV and Observation Class ROV and the added flexibility of switching between a 3rd ROV and Air Diving Spread.

Paula Crosby, Head of Tendering at JF Renewables and Subtech, said: “A seasonal charter like this is a first for James Fisher and signifies our commitment to the UK offshore and North Sea energy sector, following several difficult years for the industry due to price and supply chain complications compounded by COVID-19.

“We’re delighted to have secured the Go Electra for the season, enabling us to not only lock-in day rates from the offset but also offer expedited mobilisation and pass on cost efficiencies for our customers. 2022 is set to be one of our busiest years yet, so it was really important to us to ensure that we’ve got the best set up for our operations over the coming months.”

The charter will provide JF Renewables and James Fisher Subtech customers with increased security and stability in operation, allowing for increased productivity and the acceleration of projects that will support the industry’s growth through a hastening energy transition.

John Ewen, Assets and Operations Director at JF Subtech, commented of the charter: “The Go Electra is the ideal vessel for our project backlog this year, and really cements our position in the market by allowing us to be agile, reactive and competitive with the flexibility to cover both Air Diving & ROV campaigns and continue to commit to our sustainability goals across the renewables and subsea sectors. Coupled with our knowledgeable crews and long-standing expertise for the extremes, 2022 is already looking to be a great year!”

The news follows JF Renewables’ completion of phase one of UXO identification at RWE’s Sofia Offshore Windfarm in 2021, with the Go Electra earmarked for use on phase two from May 2022.

The Go Electra will be mobilised by JF Renewables and James Fisher Subtech in March 2022, with opportunity for use by other James Fisher group companies throughout the year.