Bp Tankers

This massive new reference work is the first comprehensive, authoritative and detailed fleet history of one of the world's major international oil transportation companies. It is lavishly illustrated with over 500 photographs and supported by an army of documents relevant to specific tankers. The book begins with a brief group history and includes a chronology describing fleet developments from the early purchase of second-hand tonnage with the formation of the company. The first BP-owned oil tanker was the British Emperor, acquired in 1916, and the story continues to the rise of the giant behemoths of the 1990s and the new-builds at the start of this century. The book's core is the fleet list which includes specifications and histories of every ship owned by the British Tanker Company and BP Shipping, and all their associates. It includes subsidiary craft such as tugs, barges and support ships, and more than 1,000 vessels are examined in detail. There are photographs of every class of vessel along with plans showing stowage arrangements. This book is a marathon achievement and befits a company that has carried oil from every corner of the globe. It will prove to be an essential reference work for maritime researchers, professionals in oil companies and all the supporting industries, and ship enthusiasts around the world.

A detailed account of the activities of BP, 1950-75.

In this engaging book, Dr. Solly examines the history of crude oil tankers from early days when this vital commodity was carried aboard ordinary sailing vessels, through the innovative designs that resulted in significant breakthroughs leading to early single-hulled VLCCs, and the later stronger hence safer double-hulled vessel. The professional reader will identify with much of the author’s thinking, especially his handling of the enormous advances in shipboard techniques, and examination of excellent contributions made by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) from its conception in 1948, to its penetratingly effective work of today. Special attention is paid to their profound influence on the industry through MARPOL and SOLAS innovations, including arguably the greatest contribution made to tanker safety and environmental protection by Inert Gas Systems (IGS) and Crude Oil Washing (COW). Non-seagoing readers in allied shipping professions, and that huge army of ship enthusiasts, will learn a great deal about the ins-and-outs of an industry which, for the immediate future, underpins virtually every aspect of practical 21st Century living. Ray Solly’s authoritative story is lavishly supported by 211 images (many of which have never previously been published), plus accounts of two recent voyages aboard a Norwegian North sea shuttle tanker, and a product carrier. Both passenger trips not only updated his professional knowledge but provided penetrating insight into current maritime practices. Each confirmed his convincing observation that today’s crude oil carriers present the safest and most regulated form of transportation in the world.

Examines administration of Government program to supply petroleum and petroleum products to Western European nations whose oil supply was curtailed due to the Suez Canal blockage. Also assesses impact of this program on domestic petroleum production, consumption, prices, and defense requirements. Includes "Energy Consumption in the U.S.," by Florida Power and Light Co., Jan. 1957 (p. 158-211).