BP changes tack on oil spill
BP is preparing a new tactic to contain its leaking well in the Gulf of Mexico following its recent failed attempt to stop the flow of oil.
The failure of its so-called ‘top kill’ measure, which tried to stop the leak by pumping mud into the well, was announced this weekend.
BP is now preparing to lower a containment cap over the well to pipe the leaking oil to a drillship on the surface. This process will involve deploying remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) undersea to cut through the damaged riser at the top of the rig’s failed blow out preventer (BOP). The robots will then position the containment device.
In its company statement, BP admitted the challenges involved with this procedure are numerous.
‘All of these operations, including the cutting of the riser, are complex, involve risks and uncertainties, and have to be carried out by ROVs at 5,000ft under water.’
It also stated that systems such as the containment cap have never before been deployed at these depths and conditions, and their efficiency and ability to contain the oil and gas cannot be assured.
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