SEATTLE, June 30 (Reuters) - U.S. Coast Guard and police boats cleared a way through protesters in kayaks at a Seattle-area port on Tuesday so Royal Dutch Shell's second of two Arctic drilling rigs could depart for Alaska. The activists, who have staged frequent demonstrations during the past two months against Shell's planned oil exploration in the Chukchi Sea, … [Read more...]
Noble In $12.2 Million Settlement with DOJ Over Alaska Drilling
HOUSTON, Dec 8 (Reuters) - Drilling contractor Noble Corporation PLC on Monday said it paid $12.2 million to settle felony charges by the U.S. Department of Justice related to safety, environmental and record keeping violations on vessels in Arctic waters off Alaska in 2012. During 2012, the Noble Discoverer drillship experienced numerous problems with its main propulsion … [Read more...]
U.S. EPA Fines Shell for Arctic Air Pollution Violations
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has fined units of Royal Dutch Shell more than $1 million over violations of the company's Clean Air Act permits related to their Arctic drilling program in the Chukchi and Beaufort Seas, off the North Slope of Alaska. The EPA said that based on their inspections and Shell’s excess emission reports, EPA documented numerous air … [Read more...]
Shell’s Damaged Kulluk Rig Heading to Asia for Repairs
In fact, Shell is sending both Alaskan rigs to Asia for repairs By Brian Swint (Bloomberg) -- Royal Dutch Shell Plc sent two of its drill rigs in Alaska to Asian shipyards for repair, casting doubt over prospects for exploration in the Arctic this year. The Kulluk, damaged when it ran aground six weeks ago, will be towed to a dry dock in Asia, Europe’s biggest … [Read more...]
Shell CEO: Both Arctic Drilling Rigs Need Work and Further Evaluation
LONDON--Royal Dutch Shell PLC (RDSA, RDSA.LN) Chief Executive Peter Voser said Thursday that both its Alaska drilling rigs need more work before they can be ready for this year's drilling season. The Noble Discoverer needs a series of upgrades, while the Kulluk, which recently ran aground, has sustained damage, Mr. Voser said. "It's too early to say how this will impact … [Read more...]