BP 2008 Annual Report Download - page 40

BP Annual Report and Accounts 2008
Performance review
Shipping
We transport our products across oceans, around coastlines and along
waterways, using a combination of BP-operated, time-chartered and
spot-chartered vessels. All vessels conducting BP activities are subject to
our health, safety, security and environmental requirements.
International fleet
At the end of 2008, we had an international fleet of 54 vessels (37
medium-size crude and product carriers, four very large crude carriers,
one North Sea shuttle tanker, eight LNG carriers and four LPG carriers).
All these ships are double-hulled. Of the eight LNG carriers, BP manages
one on behalf of a joint venture in which it is a participant and operates
seven LNG carriers.
Regional and specialist vessels
In Alaska, during 2008, we redelivered one of our time-chartered vessels
back to the owner, leaving a fleet of four double-hulled vessels. In the
Lower 48, the two remaining heritage Amoco barges were phased out
of BP’s service. Outside the US, at the end of 2008, we had 14 specialist
vessels (two double-hulled lubricants oil barges and 12 offshore
support vessels).
Time-charter vessels
At the end of 2008, BP had 115 hydrocarbon-carrying vessels above 600
deadweight tonnes on time-charter, of which 107 are double-hulled and
one is double-bottomed. All these vessels participate in BP’s Time
Charter Assurance Programme.
Spot-charter vessels
BP spot-charters vessels, typically for single voyages. These vessels are
always vetted for safety assurance prior to use.
Other vessels
BP uses various craft such as tugs, crew boats and seismic vessels in
support of the group’s business. We also use sub-600 deadweight tonne
barges to carry hydrocarbons on inland waterways.
Maritime security issues
2008 has seen a significant escalation in piracy activity, specifically off
the north coast of Somalia. At a strategic level, BP avoids known areas of
pirate attack or armed robbery; where this is not possible for trading
reasons and we consider it safe to do so, we will continue to trade
vessels through areas of known piracy, subject to the adoption of
heightened security measures. BP will continue to route vessels through
the Gulf of Aden for as long as it considers it to be safe to do so, having
regard to available military and government agency advice. At present,
we are following such advice and are participating in protective group
transits through the Gulf of Aden Maritime Security Patrol Area
transit corridor.
Performance review
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