Bibby Secures BP North Sea Vessel Management Contract

Bibby Ship Management has won a prestigious contract with BP Exploration Operating Company to fully manage four Regional Support Vessels (RSV) and an additional two new-build Platform Supply Vessels (PSV) for operation in the North Sea.

The award of the contract marks a key milestone for Bibby Ship Management in its drive to build on its expertise in the management of offshore vessels.

The contract will be managed from Aberdeen and will involve more than 200 crew and support staff.

The contract, which will run for a minimum of five years and has a value of approx £100 million, also includes the management of eight Autonomous Rescue and Recovery Craft sited onboard the four existing RSVs. Bibby will also provide management support for the newbuilding and commissioning of the two new PSVs. Currently being built, these new vessels will also have response and rescue capability, adding to BP’s existing fleet capabilities.

Mark Hardie, BP’s UK Logistics Infrastructure Manager, said: “This award is a key component of BP’s long term marine strategy and we look forward to working with Bibby Ship Management to ensure high levels of service to our offshore operations. The five-year contract involves managing the existing Caledonian vessels as well as the two new high specification supply vessels which will be joining the BP fleet from 2014. The award is good news for the 200 crew and support staff involved in this contract.”

Bibby Ship Management, which sits within Bibby Line Group, is able to draw on its 205-year history within the shipping sector, to provide effective business solutions to meet the needs of modern ship owners.

Sir Michael Bibby, Managing Director of Bibby Line Group, said: “We are absolutely delighted to work with BP in providing full technical management and logistics services for these vessels in the UK North Sea. The award of this contract reflects the benefit of our investment in Bibby Ship Management’s systems and people to create a high quality ship management business with great safety awareness, which can deliver real value to our clients.”

Bibby Ship Management has a managed vessel portfolio that combines a Bibby-owned fleet with strong Third Party clients like BP. That enables staff who are recognised as experts within their fields to provide forward-thinking plans to owners that provide cost savings; reliability; added value; problem solving and relationship management, with an understanding of the needs of the owner.

In addition, Bibby Ship Management is able to supply crew and crew management services. The company currently supplies crew to more than 200 vessels and is able to offer a wide range of additional services including training, accountancy and salary services.

Ed Rimmer, CEO of Bibby Ship Management, welcomed the move. He said: “Bibby Ship Management is committed to offering the highest levels of service to its clients. Working with a company the size and profile of BP underlines Bibby’s reputation in the market place.”