By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, July 15 -- The International Association of Oil & Gas Producers (IAOGP) formed a global industry response group to gather research done by its members and coordinate industry initiatives in response to the deepwater Macondo well blowout and resulting spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
IAOGP Executive Director Michael Engell-Jensen announced the group’s formation during a meeting with the European Commission in Brussels on July 14.
“We remain driven to provide—safely and sustainably—the oil and gas that people the world over will need for decades to come,” he said.
National and international industry associations and other stakeholders are anticipated to become involved with the IAOGP response group, which will focus on the outcome of ongoing investigations.
An Apr 20 blowout of the Macondo well on Mississippi Canyon Block 252 triggered an explosion and fire on Transocean Ltd.’s Deepwater Horizon semisubmersible, killing 11 crew members. The semi sank on Apr. 22, and Macondo operator BP PLC has been working to seal the well and cleanup a massive oil spill.
“Particular emphasis will be on subsea well control, oil containment at the well, and cleanup techniques for major oil spills,” Engell-Jensen said. “The group will review offshore operating procedures and equipment, audit inspections, oil-spill liabilities and financial provisions and possible changes to regulations and legislation.”
US Government Accountability Office.
