Message from David Williamson
BP Vice President Fleet Operations
BP Shipping is delighted to continue its association with The Marine Society's successful webship concept through British Trader.
It started a decade ago when our then Cadet Training Superintendent Bill Northrop was approached by Brian Thomas, Director of Education at The Marine Society.
A search began to find the most suitable ship for the job and eventually the British Harrier found itself "on the web". The two Masters initially responsible for maintaining the links were Nigel Greig and Chris Gaukroger, both of whom displayed a commendable commitment to the project.
The story was always told "warts and all" and included the good and the not so good times onboard to give as true a picture of life at sea on a modern tanker as possible. Sadly the link was broken with the departure of the British Harrier from the BP fleet and it is good news indeed that the mantle is now being taken up again.
BP Shipping is currently fitting advanced satellite communications technology, which will bring broadband into each cabin.
The development of greater levels of interaction through the internet will almost certainly bring about the most significant change to life at sea since the development of wireless telegraphy.
The seagoing environment is unique and developing an understanding through an insight into daily life can only encourage more young people to consider it as a career at a time when it is unfashionable, yet the demand for qualified seafarers is high.
I commend The Marine Society for its efforts and look forward to meeting junior officers of the future whose interest was stimulated by this charity's webship initiative.