FURNESS shipping company James Fisher and Sons lifted its pre-tax profits by six per cent to nearly £3.3 million in the first six months of the year.

Turnover fell by nearly £7 million to £30.2 million, largely due to the purchase and subsequent sale of two vessels acquired for conversion but later sold during the corresponding period last year.

Executive chairman David Cobb said the company had achieved a 15 per cent rise in freight tonnage during the first half of the year, and was continuing to carry increased amounts of oil around North West Europe.