News Item 10:

British Oak is the first ship in a series of 105,000 dwt Aframax crude oil tankers that Solar Solve Marine has been contracted by BP Shipping to supply with SOLASAFE anti glare roller sunscreens for all of the bridge windows.

One of BP’s TSU 1236 ‘Tree’ class vessels, it was built in Japan and delivered in April 2003. Not long afterwards the ship was inspected and given a Green Award certificate. The vessel’s certificate was recently due for renewal and before the audit a decision was made to install anti glare screens, which help to reduce air conditioning costs due to the highly effective way in which the screens reject heat that would otherwise accumulate in the wheelhouse and have to be counteracted by air conditioning.

As well as helping with environmental issues, SOLASAFE also creates more comfortable working conditions within the navigation bridge that are conducive to a relaxed atmosphere in which ships personnel can operate. This is considered to be a very positive advantage as far as Crew Fatigue Management systems are concerned and further enhances BP’s decision to install them. Full information about the benefits of SOLASOLV screens can be found on their website ,a href=http://www.solasolv.com target=blank>www.solasolv.com.

“Solar Solve have been supplying BP vessels with anti glare roller screens for more than 15 years. Over the next few months another 5 ‘Tree’ class vessels will be outfitted with SOLASAFE”, comments Solar Solve’s chairman, John Lightfoot. “We are proud to be associated with BP Shipping’s total commitment to Green Award procedures.”

The Green Award bestows international recognition upon seagoing vessels, which are “more than welcome in any seaport”, especially at ports in Germany, The Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, and South Africa. On the Shetland Islands Green Award ships are eligible for a reduction on port dues or tariffs for services.