Transocean can't dodge blame, BP says

LONDON, Jan. 27 (UPI) -- Rig-owner Transocean can't avoid its responsibility for the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, British energy company BP said.

A federal court in New Orleans announced Thursday that Transocean isn't liable for damages sought by third parties relating to pollution stemming from the 2010 oil spill.

"BP is required to indemnify Transocean for compensatory damages asserted by third parties against Transocean related to pollution that did not originate on or above the surface of the water, even if the claim is the result of Transocean's strict liability, negligence or gross negligence," the order from the court said.

The court, however, found Transocean liable for any punitive damages or fines imposed by the U.S. government.

BP had argued that, because of the disaster, any agreements it had with Transocean were void.

"As we have said from the beginning, Transocean cannot avoid its responsibility for this accident," the British supermajor said in its statement.

The parties involved at the Deepwater Horizon rig have blamed each another during investigations into the spill. An October report listed seven violations for BP and four each for Transocean and Halliburton.

Last month, BP claimed Halliburton destroyed test results regarding cement used to seal the well. Halliburton said the charges are baseless.