U.S. Gives Shell Final Nod To Drill For Oil In Arctic
The U.S. Department of the Interior permit allows Shell to drill in the oil-rich Chukchi Sea off the northwest coast of Alaska. Shell interrupted its drilling program in the region in 2012 after suffering a series of mishaps, including losing control of an enormous rig, from which the Coast Guard had to rescue 18 workers.
Harsh conditions in the Chukchi have discouraged other oil companies from drilling there.
The go-ahead for Shell comes after repairs were completed to the Fennica, an icebreaker the company leases that carries emergency well-plugging equipment. The ship had suffered a gash in its hull after hitting uncharted shoals off southern Alaska.
Damage to the Fennica had stalled Shell’s program, which the Interior Department had previously issued a permit for.
Shell obtained the leases in the Chukchi during the administration of former President George W. Bush. Since then it has spent about $7 billion on exploration in the Arctic, though oil production is at least a decade away.
The Arctic is home to what the U.S. government estimates is 20 percent of the world’s undiscovered oil and gas.
Shell’s determination to drill there has spawned waves of protests and funding drives by environmentalists who want to protect whales, walruses and polar bears in a vulnerable region that scientists say is changing rapidly due to global warming.
Late last month, 13 Greenpeace activists hanging from a bridge in Oregon temporarily blocked the freshly repaired Fennica from reaching the Pacific Ocean to return to Alaska.
President Barack Obama “must change the course on Arctic drilling set eight years ago by former President George W. Bush and not perpetuate it,” said Michael Brune, head of the Sierra Club, the country’s oldest environmental group.
The club urged Obama to cancel sales of oil-zone leases scheduled for 2016 and 2017 and to remove the possibility of drilling in the Arctic Ocean.
Later this month, Obama will visit Alaska to speak at a conference on the Arctic and tour areas threatened by climate change.
Curtis Smith, a Shell spokesman, said the company “looks forward to evaluating what could potentially become a national energy resource base.”
Shell is not releasing a timetable for its drilling program.
(Reporting by Timothy Gardner; editing by Sandra Maler; and Peter Galloway)
Copyright 2015 Thomson Reuters. Click here for Restrictions
Shipping News You Would Like:
Disclaimer :
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. While we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.
Do you have info to share with us ? Suggest a correction
Latest Shipping News You Would Like:
U.S Navy To Decommission Littoral Combat Ships USS Little Rock & USS Detroit After Less Than 10 Years in Service
Firefighter Robot Built For Indian Navy Warships Undergoes Trials On INS Vikrant
U.S Navy To Integrate 3D Printing On Virginia-Class Submarine To Speed Up Construction Process
Cocaine Worth €157 Million Seized From Ship In Ireland’s Biggest Drugs Haul Ever
After India, U.S Raises Concerns Over Chinese Spy Ship’s Visit To Sri Lanka
Get the Latest Maritime News Delivered to Your Inbox!
Our free, fast, and fun newsletter on the global maritime industry, delivered everyday.
Well its a long time issue, so de know how to handle there issue there self, mainwile de should conseder d relationship between both country base on the beneficiarys of shell nd entire nigerian,