BRUSSELS (BNO NEWS) – The United States has accepted an oil cleaning device to combat the environmental damage caused by the BP oil spill which has been polluting the Gulf Coast, the European union announced on Thursday.

The announcement came after U.S. President Obama directed officials of the BP oil spill recovery team to accept international aid, equipment and resources, waving the Jones Act in the process. The transportation and maintenance of the equipment will be paid by the United States.

The equipment accepted by the U.S. Federal On-site Coordinator is high capacity, high speed off-shore skimmer offered by the European Union through the European Maritime Safety Agency. The device is currently stationed in Vigo, Spain.

The Framo Transrec 150 skimmer is an off-shore device that separates oil from water. It was requested to the European Commission on June 10.The U.S. Coast Guard also accepted 1,200 meters of off-shore booms offered by Norway.

“Europe is ready to continue the excellent cooperation on emergency response that we have with our US friends. The positive reaction from the EMSA and the participating States in the EU Civil Protection Mechanism is a clear sign that Europe stands ready to cooperate in dealing with this ecological disaster,” Kristalina Georgieva, Commissioner for International Cooperation, Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Response said.

On May 27, the U.S. requested a specific type of seeping arms to be attached to ships that are gathering oil. The Netherlands provided three pairs of such mechanical limbs which are deployed in the U.S.

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