BP Shipping Pictorial: The Golden Years 1945 - 1975

British Petroleum Shipping experienced significant changes during the 30-year post-Second World War period, from modest 12,000 summer deadweight tonnage vessels to the Very Large Crude Oil (VLCC) class ships. The company was instrumental in designing and implementing safety rules long before they became international law, and the effects of these changes are considered in detail. The recovery of the fleet following the war was influenced by an unprecedented international demand for oil, and there were numerous political upheavals that had a direct influence on ship routeing and fluctuations in the growth of the parent company, BP International. This period also saw serious oil pollution that caused worldwide consternation, leading to the formation of the International Maritime Consultative Organisation (IMCO) and the IMO. Other issues confronted during this period include preliminary work on ballast water transference and air pollution.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 23 October 2023
Publisher: Whittles Publishing

The 30-year post-Second World War period marked a significant era in the history of British Petroleum Shipping (BP Shipping). This period witnessed profound changes that shaped the company's fleet from modest 12,000 summer deadweight tonnage vessels to the Very Large Crude Oil (VLCC) class ships, including the iconic British Respect, with a capacity of 277,746 sdwt.

The author begins by providing a concise history of BP, tracing its origins back to 1915, when it was established as the Anglo-Persian Oil Company. During the Second World War, BP faced significant losses, but these challenges were met with innovative developments in vessel conversion for wartime duty and the ongoing construction of new tankers. Post-war, the company's focus shifted towards repairing vessels and building new tankers, leading to the growth of the 1950s.

In many areas, BP played a pioneering role in designing and implementing safety rules that later became international law. The company's commitment to safety led to significant advancements in marine transport, and its influence is considered in detail throughout the text. Additionally, the recovery of the fleet following the ravages of the Second World War is explored, influenced by unprecedented international demand for oil.

Political upheavals also played a significant role in shaping ship routeing and fluctuations in the growth of BP International, the parent company. These changes had a direct impact on BP Shipping, leading to changes in the company's fleet and operations.

During this period, the shipping industry faced serious oil pollution concerns, leading to the formation of the International Maritime Consultative Organisation (IMCO) in 1948. Renamed the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in 1982, this organisation became a major innovator in developing consultative documents that led to numerous protocols and conventions, shaping the marine transport industry.

Overall, the 30-year post-Second World War period was a transformative era for BP Shipping, marked by significant developments in the company's fleet, safety standards, and international regulations. The company's commitment to innovation and safety has continued to drive its success in the marine transport industry, and its legacy is still felt today.

Dimension: 240 x 170 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781849954747