[QUOTE=alcor;39899]Assuming, the modifications were made in 2005, then we’ve had loads of time to work out if all is operational with the BOPs. Hopefully, it didn’t take the Macondo well to highlight deficiencies in the BOP system, if any exist! It was also a requirement for MMS to approve the BOP…within the realm of their jurisdiction and they dictate to BP what that definition is.
The question will be: Were those changes acceptable to MMS?
And, this equipment belongs to the Contractor, and therefore, it would be highly unusual for BP to have any responsibility for the equipment. BP, as an Operator, would normally get an independent party to check and oversee that the required changes had taken place.
I think we’re going to see further interesting emails appearing in the near future. For those who imagine that BP can swallow the blame for this one, I doubt it. But, it may yet be proved that nothing was wrong with the BOP…just a case of not being able to close around two joints of pipe.[/QUOTE]
Does anyone know exactly what modifications were made?