• JFD showcases prototype of diving platform Shadow Seal at SOF Week 2023 in Florida, ahead of delivery of first production model

• Shadow Seal will shortly be handed over to US partners Blue Tide Marine for training and demonstration purposes, as JFD steps into the US defence market

• The four-man tactical diving platform combines proven technology with adaptability to meet current and future SOF requirements

JFD – part of James Fisher and Sons plc – launched its advanced four man tactical diving platform, Shadow Seal, during SOF Week 2023, ahead of delivery to United States partner Blue Tide Marine (BTM) for demonstration and training purposes.

Shadow Seal is an adaptable and extremely capable lightweight Tactical Diving Vehicle (TDV) able to transport a pilot, navigator and two passengers in surface, semi submerged and submerged mode with a range of 80nm.

Shadow Seal offers unparalleled underwater manoeuvrability to Special Operations Forces required to covertly cross the expanding offshore and littoral water gap. Adaptable to suit a variety of ISTAR and combat requirements, the platform provides sophisticated protection to complex, high value platforms and critical infrastructure.

A strategic partnership with BTM was announced in March 2022 as part of JFD’s commitment to expanding its US presence and subsea maritime capability. BTM subsequently purchased the first production model of Shadow Seal to provide local demonstration and training services - significant milestone in JFD’s journey towards a full turnkey US capability, inclusive of TDV provision and follow on support services throughout the product lifecycle.

Bob Pudney, President, Blue Tide Marine, comments:

Minister for International Trade visits JFD

James Fisher and Sons plc publishes full year results for the year ended 31 December 2022