The Norwegian classification society Det Norske Veritas (DNV) has been contracted by US authorities to participate in the investigaations into the Deepwater Horizon blowout in the Gulf of Mexico.
Published: 07.10.2010
DNV has been contracted by the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) of the departments of the Interior and Homeland Security for the forensic examination of the blowout preventer (BOP) and lower marine riser package that was fitted to the Macondo well in the Gulf of Mexico.
The BOP, a 50 foot - 300 ton assembly has been raised and taken to NASA’s secure facility in Michoud, Lousiana where it is in the custody of the JIT. Chain of custody and evidence preservation protocols to ensure the proper handling of all evidentiary material have been in effect since the BOP was first retrieved in August.
The final forensic testing protocol will be developed by DNV, in consultation with various commercial, academic, and governmental organizations, and will be approved by the JIT prior to the start of testing.
DNV is utilizing its forensic investigation expertise from its Columbus, Ohio office and its subsea equipment (BOP) expertise from its Houston, Texas office in the project.
DNV (Det Norske Veritas) is an independent foundation with the purpose of safeguarding life, property, and the environment. Our history goes back to 1864, when the foundation was established in Norway to inspect and evaluate the technical condition of Norwegian merchant vessels.