Second Macondo relief well under way

In this May 11, 2010 image released by BP shows the main oil leak (R) of the Deepwater Horizon rig which exploded April 20 and killed 11 workers. British BP has accepted responsibility for the cleanup of what could become the worst oil spill in US history, and is leading efforts to stop an estimated 210,000 gallons of oil leaking into the sea each day. AFP PHOTO/BP = RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE = NOT FOR SALE FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN =

Spill source: video from a remotely operated vehicle last week shows oil leaking from the end of the broken riser on the Macondo well.

related stories

By Upstream staff & news wires

 17 May 2010 00:28 GMT

Transocean semi-submersible rig Development Driller II has spud the second relief well planned at the Macondo blowout in the US Gulf of Mexico.



BP operations boss Doug Suttles confirmed today that Development Driller II began to spin its bit late Sunday after some delays in getting underway.

The US Minerals Management Service (MMS) approved the latest permit, MMS field boss Mike Saucier said at a press conference Monday after BP revised and resubmitted a drilling permit after an initial review late last week.

The Development Driller II is expected to “race” the Transocean semi-submersible rig Development Driller III, which already spud the first relief probe, to reach the Macondo well bore/

The centre said in…

Become an Upstream member!

Membership includes a subscription to our weekly newspaper providing in-depth news from the energy industry, plus full-access to this site and its archives. Still not convinced? Try our free trial.

Already a member?

Login

Upstream share price index