Big boats for BP

OIL giant BP has ordered four new platform support vessels to support its operations west of Shetland and in the Norwegian sector.

The boats, due to be delivered between the winter of 2013 and summer of 2014, will have oil spill response capability and special tanks to transport fluids required for planned enhanced oil recovery (EOR) schemes.

Performance and safety will also be further improved by having dedicated crews on long term hire, minimising turnover and enhancing familiarity with BP’s processes.

Regional president Trevor Garlick said: “Our long term commitment to the North Sea gives us the confidence to make major investments in vital support services.

“These new vessels will provide BP with a number of safety and commercial benefits, as well as allow for the greater deployment of technology.

“Improving our capability to recover more oil from our reservoirs is crucial to the future of the North Sea.”