BP joins ExxonMobil-led well containment program, to provide underwater equipment, expertise

BP to join oil companies’ well containment program

HOUSTON — BP PLC says it will join a group of the world’s largest oil companies who are working together to improve response to spills, such as the massive one in the Gulf of Mexico.

BP’s announcement on Monday came just two days after its blown-out Gulf well was officially declared dead. On April 20, an explosion aboard the oil rig Deepwater Horizon killed 11 workers and triggered the spill that caused 206 million gallons of crude to spew from the well.

BP says it will provide the team of oil companies underwater well containment equipment, expertise and experience.

ExxonMobil is operating the program, called the Marine Well Containment System. It includes other oil giants, such as Chevron, ConocoPhillips and Shell.