AP reported that British Petroleum hopes to keep using its giant cork to block oil from reaching the Gulf of Mexico until they plug the blown out well permanently.

Federal officials said earlier that the cap would be tested, and then oil would be pumped through pipes up to ships, which would collect it.

BP said that would require that oil be released for about three days to relieve pressure before the pipes were hooked up.

Mr Doug Suttles COO of BP said that no one wants to see more oil released into the Gulf of Mexico. He added that the cap could stay in place until mud and cement are used to plug the well for good.

The cap has stopped the oil flow since it was put in place on July 15th 2010.

(Sourced from Associated Press)