An investigation has been launched by BP into allegations that a senior executive has taken bribes over the chartering of tankers on uncommercial terms.

A whistleblower has written to BP chief Bob Dudley highlighting charter deals said to be corrupt.

The oil major confirmed that its chief executive had received a letter from a whistleblower who claims to be a BP employee.

BP's 47,000-dwt products carrier British Harmony (built 2005)
“BP aims to conduct its business to the highest ethical standards and takes all allegations of this sort extremely seriously,” said company spokesman Mark Salt.

Salt