Mining | Oil | Gas | | Gulf stacking cap holds firm, Hayward looking flimsy - Gulf stacking cap holds firm, Hayward looking f..

Gulf stacking cap holds firm, Hayward looking flimsy

Positive signs from BP spill

As ships return to the site of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, there appears to be some optimism regarding killing off the well.

The stacking cap which has stopped the flow of oil is still in place and sealed off while tests to confirm the integrity of the well continue.

Commander of the operations Admiral Thad Allen said there are no signs of leaks at other parts of the well.

“The Gecko Topaz, which is the seismic research vessel, is back in the field. They completed a pass and detected no anomalies and this is consistent with our decision to leave the capping stack on in the absence of any indication there are problems with well integrity,” Admiral Allen.

“This is an opportune time to do this because while we're bringing the vessels back in it is quiet and not as crowded and doesn’t present a problem with simultaneous operations. The stack pressure has gone above 6,900psi and currently stands at 6, 904psi.”

Plans to kill the well by pumping heavy mud and cement down a relief well are expected to begin in early August.

While the cap on the Macondo well is firmly in place, the same cannot be said for BP head honcho Tony Hayward. Rumours of his imminent resignation are quickly gathering pace and BP is not denying the rumours outright but said any changes of management would be released in due course.