Important Information for Shrimpers Who Worked in BP’s Vessels of Opportunity (VOO) Program

In compensating shrimp fishermen and other claimants for economic loss, the Gulf Coast Claims Facility (GCCF) has not offset compensation earned from the VOO program from economic loss awards.  In a September 21, 2011 letter to the GCCF, BP’s counsel stated that BP views the GCCF’s failure to offset such amounts as a violation of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, and that this failure has resulted in the overcompensation of claimants who participated in the VOO program.  As a result, BP has stated that it reserves the right to account, with regard to claims for VOO compensation or other economic loss, for VOO compensation that should have been but was not offset from GCCF awards.  A copy of the September 21 letter can be viewed here.

9-21-11 Letter to Jackie Zins from Dan Cantor