BP Shipping
The BP Shipping fleet is expanding following a decision to embark on a $3 billion build programme in the period 2001-06.
This will see over forty new ships joining the BP-operated fleet of oil and gas tankers. This has boosted the capacity of the "controlled fleet" (ie ships either directly operated or time chartered) to around half the Group's business requirement, with voyage charter ships continuing to supply the balance.
BP was the first major LNG producer to place a tender for new LNG ships where neither supply source nor end customer were identified or contractually tied.
The order signalled BP’s commitment to creating greater flexibility and transport optimisation within the LNG chain. The ships, British Trader, British Merchant and British Innovator were delivered in 2002 and 2003 and are amongst the most advanced in the world.
British Progress
BP Shipping is committed to maintaining and improving on this performance by massively investing in new tonnage; significantly reducing reliance on the spot market; continuing to operate the industry's most stringent ship vetting and inspection programme and by recruiting and retaining the very best people.