BP Decides to Pass on Greenland Drilling License

BP (BP) decided not to bid for a license to drill for gas off the coast of Greenland, a move that government officials say could have been influenced by the company's safety record in the wake of the disaster in the Gulf of Mexico.

Premier Kuupik Kleist said Wednesday that safety records are key when approaching the licensing process, according to The Associated Press.

"Of course we are influenced by what happened in the Gulf right now. And we know that we are taking on a huge responsibility on our shoulders," Kleist said.

BP declined to comment on its reasons for the decisions, or when it was made. The Gulf disaster, which killed 11 workers and spewed out millions of gallons of oil into the ocean, occurred in April.

BP did not rule out bidding for future licenses worldwide.

"We would obviously be interested in any (licensing) rounds coming up," BP spokesman Robert Wine said.