No Oil Spoken Here: BP’s Shafts are Oil-Free
Safer than safe could be dubbed the term that sums up the design philosophy on four 185,000 dwt Alaskan-class tankers that will soon be carrying oil along the U.S. West Coast. Currently being built in San Diego, Calif. by NASSCO, the BP Shipping-owned vessels feature the latest innovations in safe-ship design, including Thordon COMPAC water-lubricated propeller shaft bearings. During the design phase of the vessels, BP was determined to leave no stone unturned in its quest to minimize the risk of oil leakage. This included building in multiple redundant systems, and eliminating the use of oil wherever possible. "The prop shaft is an area where, traditionally, some lubricating oil can leak into the sea," says Stan Taylor, technical manager for BP.
NASSCO Holds Keel-Laying Ceremony for BP Tanker
construction on the vessel. National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO) held a keel-laying ceremony for Hull 486, the third of four Alaska Class, double-hull oil tankers being constructed for BP Oil Shipping Company, USA. BP's Site Team Member Stan Taylor welded his initials into the keel to signify the start of construction. The first ship, the Alaskan Frontier, is being prepared for sea trials and will be delivered later this year. The second ship is undergoing construction and is scheduled to be delivered in 2005, with the third and fourth ships to be delivered in 2005 and 2006.