This second system supplements the lower marine riser package (LMRP) cap containment system, which remains in operation. The new system is connected directly to the BOP and carries oil and gas through a manifold and hoses to the Q4000 vessel on the surface.
The Q4000 uses a specialized clean-burning system to flare oil and gas captured by this second containment system. Operations continue to stabilize and optimize the performance of the system, BP said.
According to the company, neither the new capture system nor the LMRP containment cap system has ever before been deployed at these depths and conditions, and their efficiency and ability to contain the oil and gas cannot be assured.
