BP has formally unveiled plans to build four platform supply vessels to support its North Sea activities, confirming a story first broken by TradeWinds in March.
The oil major’s shipping arm said it ordered the quartet at Hyundai Mipo Dockyard in Korea for delivery between late 2013 and the end of the first half of 2014.
Though it put no value on the deal it is believed the batch will cost just shy of $200m.
BP Shipping said the vessels, which will be hired to BP Exploration Operating Company on 15-year bareboat charters, will help deliver its long term business strategy in the North Sea.
The vessels will have oil spill response capability and special tanks to transport fluids for enhanced oil recovery.
Trevor Garlick, regional president for BP North Sea, 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.”
As TradeWinds has reported the unusual move by an oil company to own and operate vessels has made waves among specialist owners.