FOR the first time in its history the BP Hamble Oil Terminal's vitally important marine department is in the hands of a woman.

Thirty-four-year-old Captain Emma Tiller, of Netley, has been appointed to replace former oil tanker captain Peter Roberts who joined the terminal four years ago as marine superintendent and is retiring from Hamble at the age of 60.

As marine superintendent, Capt Tiller will be responsible for all ship loading and discharges at Hamble, including the export of crude oil from the Wytch Farm oilfield at Wareham in Dorset.

Terminal manager Mike Myden, said: "Apart from making company history, Emma was selected on ability from a wide field of very experienced candidates. We are all delighted to welcome her aboard as a key player in a highly professional team."

Capt Tiller was previously in charge of the worldwide operational requirements of a fleet of 12 crude oil tankers with MOL Tankship Management in London. Prior to that she was marine manager with London-based Ince and Co.

A master mariner, Capt Tiller also worked as a cadet on QE2 and spent four years on BP tankers, rising to the rank of chief officer.