BP Shipcare
BP Shipcare is a wholly owned subsidiary of BP Shipping Limited, which is a member of the BP Group. It was formed in 1975 initially to lay-up its own surplus tonnage but as demand and expertise increased the service was expanded to include other ship owners and operators. BP Shipcare's lay-up site is off the coast of Sabah, Malaysia near to the island of Labuan, in Brunei Bay. The bay was identified as a suitable spot for preserving vessels and rigs since it lies in sheltered waters outside the typhoon belt. The anchorage has good holding ground in 30m of water and a current of no more than half a knot allowing ships to be moored to a single anchor. The lay-up unit can accommodate over 30 vessels at any one time. Since the start of operations in Brunei Bay, BP Shipcare has successfully laid-up and reactivated over 150 different vessels, including tankers, gas carriers, rigs and container ships. The experienced gained over this time enables us tailor the lay-up to suit owner and vessel requirements, ensuring vessels are returned in optimum condition. Typically this involves protection of machinery against static seizure, dehumidification of accommodation and engine room, hull protection via strategically placed anodes and blanking of hull apertures, and appropriate protection for all external deck equipment. Once laid-up, 24 hour on board watch-keeping enables the entire crew to be repatriated providing significant cost savings to owners. Routine maintenance schedules are agreed and regular reports keep owners apprised of vessel's condition. In addition, by liaising with local shipyard facilities, BP Shipcare is able to assist with arrangements for any remedial or refurbishment work that may be required, making efficient use of the period the vessel is in lay-up.