BP files motion to further inspect failed BOP

BP has filed a motion to conduct furthur forensic investigation of the failed blowout preventer (BOP) that led to the Deepwater Horizon oilrig explosion and oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

Filed in federal court at the Eastern District of Louisiana, the motion asks that BP be allowed to supplement the current testing with a series of mechanical tests, forensic analysis and laser scanning of the BOP's components.

The motion states that the Joint Investigative Team and the contractor Det Norske Veritas have declined to perform the operations that BP has requested.

"BP, however, believes that performance of these forensic activities will addd value to an analysis of why the BOP did not work as intended," the motion states.

The oil company also said it is "willing to share its examination protocols and results with the other parties-in-interest in this matter, to allow for their input and guidance to provide an opportunity to observe the planned forensic activities."

The motion was filed with a letter of support from BOP expert Robert Gasaway supporting BP's claims for the additional testing.

U.S. District Judge Carl Barbier is overseeing this case.

Federal MDL 2:10-md-2179