BP Denied $700M in Insurance from Gulf Spill
The Texas Supreme Court on Friday ruled that BP Plc cannot claim about $700 million in insurance that was carried by offshore driller Transocean Ltd to cover the blowout of BP's Macondo well in 2010, the biggest offshore spill in U.S. history. The state's highest court, upholding the views of lower courts, ruled BP was covered by Transocean's insurance for pollution on the water's surface, but not under it. BP operated the well, while Transocean owned and operated the Deepwater Horizon rig that burned and sank when Macondo erupted, killing 11 men. BP is awaiting a separate ruling from a New Orleans federal judge, expected some time this year, over its fines under the U.S. Clean Water Act.
David Williams Awarded Emery Medal
David Williams, CEO of the Noble Corporation, was honored as the Massachusetts Maritime Academy’s “Salute to the Maritime Person of the Year” at the Petroleum Club in Houston. Mr. Williams was awarded the Emery Rice medal, the Academy’s highest award presented for leadership excellence in the maritime field. The event is the Academy’s major scholarship fundraiser, with all proceeds going toward student financial aid. A contingent of almost 40 cadets and staff traveled to Houston Texas to stage the event and present Mr.
Jones Act Doesn't Preempt State
The Supreme Court of Texas ruled that a state law respecting a procedural framework for claims for personal injury allegedly caused by silica and asbestos is not preempted by the federal law regarding claims for personal injury of crewmembers (the Jones Act). In the instant case, the plaintiff alleged injury from asbestos and silica while employed by defendant corporation aboard a vessel. He brought suit in state court under the Jones Act. Plaintiff failed to comply with certain procedural requirements of the state law and the defendant moved to have the case transferred to another court in accordance with the state law. Plaintiff opposed the transfer, arguing that the Jones Act preempted the state law. The court hearing the motion agreed with the plaintiff and the defendant appealed.
