May 2, 2013 -- The Helix Well Containment Group capping stack and ancillary equipment is now loaded and secured onto a transport vessel. BSEE engineers report successful tests of pumps on the remotely operated vehicle (ROV), which will be used during the subsea pressure test. ROV pressure monitoring systems tests were also successful. For safety of personnel and equipment, a unified command comprised of BSEE, the US Coast Guard, Louisiana Oil Spill Coordinators Office and Noble Energy have decided to hold operations for up to 48hrs due to rough weather over the Gulf of Mexico. During the weather hold, a capping stack valve verification will be completed to ensure the system is ready for deployment.

BSEE initiated the deepwater containment exercise with Noble Energy on April 30th.[Director Watson Directs Deepwater Oil and Gas Containment Exercise] The exercise involves the mobilization and field deployment of the capping stack to the sea floor in more than 5,000 feet of water, latching it to a test wellhead and pressurizing the system. The capping stack has the ability to stop the flow of oil from a well if other systems, such as the blowout preventer (BOP), fail. Following the Deepwater Horizon tragedy, the Interior Department instituted reforms that required offshore operators to have the ability to deploy containment resources, such as a capping stack, in response to a blowout or other loss of well control. For more information about post-Deepwater Horizon reforms, please visit our Reforms Page.

	Image
	BSEE and Noble Energy are keeping close watch on possible inclement weather that could delay deployment of the Helix Well Containment Group (HWCG) capping stack during a Containment Drill in the Gulf of Mexico Region.