BP is tendering for suezmax tankers for long-term hire with a requirement that they are able to meet low-sulphur emissions rules coming into force in 2020.

The oil major is seeking either one or two vessels, according to the tender document, for three years, with two optional years. The ships are to be delivered by the second-half of 2019.

Under the the tender, the ships will have to comply with the IMO's 2020 sulphur emission rules, and owners will have to "provide details of the technology intended to be used to meet this requirement".