"A massive decrease in the number of tanker operators is highly likely in the future as oil companies become increasingly exposed to liabilities related to their transport supply chain," Dimitris Lyras, advisor to the board of Ulysses Systems, told delegates at yesterday's Tanker Operations Conference in London. Oil companies must make sure that their transport supply chain stands up to scrutiny in any eventuality, Lyras asserts, otherwise they risk enormous penalties in public perception and stock valuation. An oil major's liability for an oil spill is far greater than the cleanup and claimant compensation, the real cost is from damage to their long-term image and reputation as responsible energy suppliers.