A significant step has been made in the process to permanently stop the flow of oil from the blown out well in the Gulf. Today, BP announced that the “static kill” procedure they initiated yesterday has caused the MC252 well to reach static condition, with well pressure now being controlled by the hydrostatic pressure of the drilling mud.
The procedure, which pumps heavy drilling mud into the BOP in order to relieve pressure on the containment cap and push oil back into the well, has been successful in controlling pressure. BP said that the procedure was stopped after about 8 hours of pumping, and that further pumping may or may not be required. The next step in the process would be deciding whether to cement the well.
This “static kill” procedure is considered the most permanent solution until the two relief wells are drilled, and could mark “the beginning of the end” for the stopping the oil leak.
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Updated: February 5, 2026 (Originally published August 4, 2010)
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