Transocean to Pay Fines in the End

A US Court ruling on the Deepwater Horizon follow-up makes clear that contractors will be held accountable for their actions under the law. While all official investigations have concluded that Transocean played a causal role in the accident, the contractor has long contended it is fully indemnified by BP for the liabilities resulting from the oil spill. The Court rejected this view. 

 

Under the decision the Swiss company Transocean is, at a minimum, financially responsible for any punitive damages, fines and penalties flowing from its own conduct. Even with arranges made with BP, Transocean cannot avoid its responsibility for this accident.

By contrast, since the spill BP have acknowledged their role and paid more than USD7.8 billion in claims, advances and other payments to individuals, businesses and governments.