The United States Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE) has formally approved BP’s new drilling plan for the Kaskida development, opening the way for the company to continue its operations following an 18-month hiatus. BP, and every other oil company, was forced to cease operations following the April 20, 2010 explosion of the Deepwater Horizon oil rig that killed 11 offshore workers, injured dozens more and spilt millions of gallons of crude into the Gulf.
BP has a history of serious accidents on and offshore, including the March 23, 2005 explosion at the company’s Texas City refinery. That blast caused the deaths of 15 workers and injured nearly 200 others.
By approving BP’s new Kaskida drilling plan, BOEMRE has opened the door for the company to resume drilling operations in the Gulf of Mexico. According to Robert Dudley, BP’s current CEO, the company will have up to 5 rigs working by the end of this year. Dudley was optimistic that BP could have as many as 8 rigs operating by the end of 2012.
If you or someone you love has been hurt offshore on a commercial fishing boat, barge, tug or other type of ocean-going vessel, contact the experienced Jones Act injury lawyers at Fitts Zehl today for a free, confidential consultation: 1 (800) 993-4887. Our firm successfully represented dozens of injured individuals against BP following the devastating 2005 Texas City refinery blast and continues to represent dozens more against the company for its leading role in the 2010 Deepwater Horizon explosion.
Source: Houston Chronicle
