Anadarko chairman and CEO Jim Hackett's statement came after some elected officials said Anadarko should help pay for the massive cleanup and spill-related claims. Company spokesman John Christiansen said the comments were in response to "a week's worth of testimony" and other information and data compiled on the disaster.
"The mounting evidence clearly demonstrates that this tragedy was preventable and the direct result of BP's reckless decisions and actions," said Hackett in the statement. "We recognize that ultimately we have obligations under federal law related to the oil spill, but will look to BP to continue to pay all legitimate claims as they have repeatedly stated that they will do."
The information disclosed this week "indicates BP operated unsafely and failed to monitor and react to several critical warning signs during the drilling" the statement continued. "BP's behavior and actions likely represent gross negligence or willful misconduct."
Anadarko had no employees on the well and was a non-operating partner in the project. A subsidiary of Mitsui & Co. Ltd. of Japan had a 10 percent stake. The rig was owned by Transocean Ltd. of Switzerland and operated by BP.
Anadarko also hinted at potential legal action against BP.
The statement said BP had a duty to perform the drilling "in a good and workmanlike manner and to comply with all applicable laws and regulations." The contract also holds BP responsible to its co-owners for damages "caused by its gross negligence or willful misconduct."
Christiansen would not confirm that the company intends to take legal action. "We're looking at what's available to us under our contractual remedies," he said.
Anadarko said any actions it takes "to protect its rights relative to BP's performance" will not shift the financial burden to taxpayers.
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