Welcomes MoD RoRo Announcemnt

Fisher (James) & Sons PLC
26 October 2000

                               
    James Fisher Welcomes MoD Preferred Bidder Announcement
                      for AWSR Consortium
                               
                    
James   Fisher  and  Sons  Public  Limited  Company,   leading
shipowners  and managers with a 40 strong fleet of  specialist
vessels  and  related engineering interests, welcomed  today's
announcement naming the AWSR consortium of which James  Fisher
is  a  member  as  preferred bidder for the provision  of  the
Ministry's Strategic Sealift Service.

David  Cobb,  Chairman of James Fisher, said:  'The  six  ship
RoRo  programme  is the welcome culmination of a  considerable
amount  of  work over a long period of time with our partners.
The  process  has built a strong bond between  the  consortium
members  who,  in combination, offer unrivalled experience  in
ship  ownership and operation.  It is important to  note  that
such talent is available within British shipping companies.

'James  Fisher's business is underpinned by a strong  contract
base.   A  20  year  customer relationship such  as  the  RoRo
contract is a perfect strategic fit.'

AWSR Ltd is an all-British consortium comprising James Fisher,
Andrew  Weir Shipping Limited, Bibby International  (IOM)  and
Houlder Offshore Engineering.

This latest success for James Fisher adds to its portfolio  of
contracts  with the Ministry of Defence.  The company  already
manages a warehousing and stock control system for RAF Sealand
and  charters The RFA Oakleaf to the MoD.  In addition  it  is
currently  bidding  for the provision  of  Marine  Support  to
Ranges and Aircrew Training.

The  news also follows the recent announcement by James Fisher
that  it is investing £40 million in the purchase of two ships
for conversion to cable layers which will double the company's
participation in this fast growing market.


Press Enquiries:     David B Cobb, CBE
                     Chairman
                     James  Fisher  and  Sons  Public  Limited Company
                     Tel: [phone]
                     

Issued  on  behalf  of  James Fisher and Sons  Public  Limited
Company  by  Tavistock Communications Limited  (Contact  Keith
Payne, tel: [phone]).