The firm had removed a broken cap on the Deep Water Horizon at the weekend allowing oil to flow freely from the stricken well.
Today (July 13) BP will begin an ‘integrity test’ on the well, which will be a minimum of six hours and could last up to 48 hours.
A spokesman said: “It is expected, although cannot be assured, that no oil will be released to the ocean for the duration of the test.
“This will not however be an indication that flow from the wellbore has been permanently stopped.
“Information gathered during the test will be reviewed with the relevant government agencies including the federal science team to determine the way forward.
“Options include reinstatement of containment as well as extending the test duration beyond 48 hours.”
The sealing cap system never before has been deployed at these depths or under these conditions, and its efficiency and ability to contain the oil and gas cannot be assured.
Luke Walsh