Optimism after subdued start for James Fisher

MARINE services group James Fisher yesterday reported a relatively subdued start to its activities in Scotland so far this year.

At its AGM, the Cumbria-based company said that overall trading in 2010 to date had been in line with management expectations.

Although its Norwegian activities look "well set" for the busier summer months, the firm noted that in Scotland and in the UK sector of the North Sea generally, "our activities have started more slowly".

Its submarine rescue service Rumic, which is based in Renfrew and provides a standby service for the Royal Navy to rescue crews from stricken vessels, had gained "some useful medium sized orders" but so far no major new national order had been forthcoming.

The company, which said it remained well placed to benefit from recovery in shipping markets, also owns Inverurie-based Buchan Technical Services and RMSpumptools in Aberdeen.