Barrow-in-Furness energy, defence and maritime transport engineering firm James Fisher and Sons plc said its revenue rose 2.1% to £195.9 million in the six months to June 30, 2026, and underlying profit before tax increased 40.0% to £6.3 million.
“Group performance in 1H 2026 in line with management expectations, with strong performances in Defence and Maritime Transport offsetting more challenging conditions in the Energy Division …” said the firm.
“Defence delivered year on year revenue growth of 43% with improved performance across all Product Lines …
“Defence order book at £295m (£315m June 2025), with c.£95m further confirmed awards under framework agreements supporting revenue visibility and continued momentum through the second half …
“Energy revenue reduced by 20.6%; excluding £8.7m attributable to the previously announced IRM Middle East and Africa closures the decrease would be 11.7%. Subdued Energy Services activity resulting in a corresponding 350bps reduction in underlying operating margin …
“Subdued demand in Energy Services markets as a result of geopolitical uncertainty being only partially mitigated by improved performance in Renewables … ”
James Fisher CEO Jean Vernet said: “We continue to operate in end markets with positive long-term structural drivers.
“This is translating into strong growth in Defence and good performance in Maritime transport, while heightened geopolitical uncertainty has continued to challenge activity levels in the first half across several of our Energy markets.
“Against this backdrop, we remain focused on disciplined delivery and executing our strategic priorities which have enabled the Group to make further progress in margin and ROCE performance in the first half.
“We have continued to strengthen our operational and financial platform, allowing us to focus increasingly on our long-term growth drivers, while expanding business development in attractive growth markets including North America, Continental Europe and the Indo Pacific region.
“At the same time, we are trialing emerging services opportunities that could support the fast evolving energy security space.
“Alongside continued investment in innovation and differentiation of our product offering, this gives the Board comfort in the Group’s ability to grow and to build towards its medium-term financial targets of 10% underlying operating margin and 15% ROCE.”