James Fisher and Sons Regulatory News (FSJ)

1 May 2008 12:00

Fisher (James) & Sons PLC01 May 2008 1 May 2008 James Fisher and Sons plc AGM / Interim Management Statement The Group's marine support divisions have started 2008 strongly. The offshore,shipping and port related services markets in which we operate continue to growwell. Both the offshore and specialist technical divisions are trading slightlyahead of plan and continue to produce strong growth. Good progress has alsobeen made by the defence division on its Korean and Singaporean submarine rescuecontracts which remain on schedule for delivery as planned at the end of thisyear and in the first half of 2009. James Fisher Everard has experienced a slow start to the year. The dry-dockschedule is unusually heavy in the first half, primarily because of the need todry-dock three vessels to equip them for the new European Maritime Safety Agency(EMSA) contract. Our largest coastal tanker, Pembroke Fisher, has also lost twomonths service owing to engine and related gearbox problems, which are nowresolved with her back in service. Overall our expectations for the year remain unchanged from the time of our fullyear results announcement on 18 March 2008, with the strong growth in the marinesupport divisions compensating for the slow start in marine oil. James Fisherremains well placed to continue to produce growth and increasing returns to ourshareholders. Contact James Fisher and Sons plc Tim Harris Chairman 020 7614 9508 Michael Shields Group Financial Director Financial Dynamics Richard Mountain - 020 7269 7186 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange