Shell in Alaska News and Media Releases

Royal Dutch Shell plc (“Shell”) today announced it will pause its exploration drilling activity for 2013 in Alaska’s Beaufort and Chukchi Seas to prepare equipment and plans for a resumption of activity at a later stage.

ANCHORAGE, AK - Shell today confirmed its Arctic-class drilling unit, the Kulluk, has been safely towed to a safe harbour on Kodiak Island in the Gulf of Alaska, where it will undergo a thorough safety assessment before resuming its journey to its winter harbour for repairs and maintenance.

With arrival of favorable high tides at Sikalidak Island, recovery crews refloated the Kulluk shortly after 1:00 AM CST today. Shortly afterward the anchor handling vessel Aiviq commenced towing the conical drillship toward safe harbor at Kiliuda Bay about 30 miles to the northeast.

Ongoing aerial and onboard inspections by recovery and response teams assessing the Kulluk drillship through the weekend confirm the vessel remains firmly aground and stable with no sign of environmental impact and no leakage of the diesel fuel or hydraulic fluid stored onboard the vessel.

Further aerial and onboard inspections by recovery teams assessing the Kulluk drillship today confirm the vessel remains firmly aground and stable. The teams also report there remains no sign of environmental impact and no leakage of the diesel fuel or hydraulic fluid stored in strong tanks onboard the vessel.

ANCHORAGE, Alaska, January 4, 2013 – The assessment of Shell’s Kulluk drillship continued today as calmer weather conditions allowed a recovery team to board the grounded vessel for a second time to continue a detailed evaluation of its condition. The recovery team again spent several hours onboard and was able to reconfirm the Kulluk is firmly aground and is stable.

A team of six salvage experts boarded the grounded drilling unit Kulluk earlier today to conduct a structural assessment to be used to finalize salvage plans, currently being developed by the Kulluk Tow Incident Unified Command.

The Unified Command plans multiple flyovers today to assess the condition of the Conical Drill Unit (CDU) Kulluk that remains grounded but stable near Sitkalidak Island located on the north edge of Ocean Bay.

Anchorage, AK – The Unified Command met with Senator Lisa Murkowski on January 1, 2013, to discuss the priorities and challenges associated with the Kulluk Tow Incident response.

We deeply appreciate the professional and effective response of the responders from the U.S. Coast Guard, Shell, Noble, Edison Chouest and many other organizations who worked together seamlessly at sea and under extreme weather conditions to control the vessel, rescue the crew on board, and prevent injury and environmental impact.

The Kulluk grounded on the southeast shoreline of Sitkalidak Island (between the north edge of Ocean Bay and Partition Cove) at approximately 9 p.m. on December 31, 2012. The shoreline of Partition Cove is primarily comprised of mixed sand and gravel beaches.

A U.S. Coast Guard flyover of the Conical Drill Unit (CDU) Kulluk indicated the vessel remains grounded but stable near Sitkalidak Island (north edge of Ocean Bay). The flight crew’s aerial inspection found no signs of a fuel spill from the vessel.

Unified Command has released update #13 regarding the Kulluk Response.

Following several weeks of safe, successful drilling at Shell’s offshore Alaska prospects, Shell has concluded its 2012 exploratory drilling programs in the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas.

On Thursday, October 11, 2012, the U.S. Coast Guard announced that it granted certification for the Arctic Challenger containment vessel.

With the conclusion of the fall Kaktovik whale hunt and in accord with the Conflict Avoidance Agreement (CAA) signed by Shell and the Alaska Eskimo Whaling Commission (AEWC), exploratory drilling at Shell’s prospect in the Beaufort Sea has commenced.

Earlier today, the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) announced that Shell is now permitted to move forward with initial drilling activities in the Beaufort Sea.

Royal Dutch Shell (“Shell”) is engaged in a multi-year drilling programme to explore for new oil & gas resources in high-potential blocks in offshore Alaska. Important progress has been made with this programme, with two drill ships, more than twenty support vessels, an approved capping stack, and other redundant oil spill response equipment already in position. Shell continues to demonstrate the strength and extent of its Arctic preparations.

As a precautionary measure and in accordance with our approved Chukchi Sea Ice Management Plan, Shell has made the decision to temporarily move off the Burger-A well to avoid potentially encroaching sea ice.

Shell is pleased to announce today, September 9 2012, that crews aboard the Noble Discoverer began drilling at Shell’s “Burger” prospect in the Chukchi Sea.

Wells, like houses, begin with a foundation. In the Arctic, the foundational well -- also called a top hole - starts with a 20-by-40 foot area excavated into the seafloor called the mud-line cellar.

The Department of Interior has approved preparatory operations in non-oil-bearing zones in the Chukchi Sea

On August 25, 2012, the drillship Noble Discoverer departed Dutch Harbor for the waters of the Chukchi Sea.

The Inupiat communities on the North Slope of Alaska have been harvesting whales for centuries. Shell has learned how important this process is for the local people from both a subsistence hunting and cultural perspective.

Students learn about Alaska geology through week-long GeoFORCE trip

More than 50 years of experience in the Arctic and 33 wells drilled in Alaska have prepared Shell to operate safely in this remote region.

On August 20, 2012, the Conical Drilling Unit (CDU) Kulluk departed Dutch Harbor for the waters of the Beaufort Sea.

Since 2006, Shell has invested more than $60 million pursuing baseline science in the Arctic.

Divers have confirmed the Noble Discoverer did not run aground after slipping anchor in Dutch Harbor, Alaska.

Journalists, blog readers and YouTube viewers have recently been targeted with scams launched by organizations opposed to energy exploration in Alaska.

On July 14, 2012, while anchored off the coast of Dutch Harbor, Alaska, the Noble Discoverer drill ship drifted toward land.

Message from Pete Slaiby; Shell Eco Marathon; Vessel Naming Contest Winners Announced; Shell Alaska Offshore Drilling and Support Vessels; Shell Alaska on Facebook and Twitter

Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) is pleased to announce that Northern Air Cargo has entered in to a lease agreement for aeronautical use of space at the former Kulis Air National Guard base...for the use of their client, Shell Alaska Exploration.

Meet Tom Homza, Staff Geologist, UAX/A/E, based in Anchorage, Alaska and learn why he's very happy to be there.

On Wednesday, June 27, the Noble Discoverer and the Kulluk conical drilling unit departed Seattle, Washington to make the journey to Dutch Harbor, Alaska. A portion of the associated drilling fleet departed at approximately the same time.

On Monday, June 25, 2012, members of Shell’s well delivery group, along with inspectors from the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) witnessed the deployment of the capping stack that will join Shell’s drilling fleet in Alaska.

I never figured I’d end up siding with the oil company. When I started research on “The Eskimo and The Oil Man” – a book following the battle over offshore oil in the rapidly opening U.S. Arctic – in 2010, I saw no reason to change my mind. I’m green.

This summer, the energy giant will begin exploring off the icy coast of Alaska.

Learn more on how Shell’s plans for the Alaska Offshore are creating jobs and stimulating the economy across the country.

The Associated Press recently published a story discussing the drill ship Kulluk

A Question and Answer Session with Scientist Dr. Robert Day on the Joint Studies Program for the Chukchi Sea.

On May 2, 2012, NMFS awarded Shell final IHA’s for its planned 2012 exploration programs in the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas.

Rita Ramoth, winner of the Harvey Gulf International Marine (Harvey Gulf) and Shell Vessel naming competition, was accompanied by her Aunt Janet Mitchell and Shell Communications Specialist Michelle Malerich for a three day trip to New Orleans including a tour of the city and of the vessel “Sisuaq”.

New Joint Industry Programme and American Petroleum Institute study outlines spill response capabilities in the Arctic Offshore.

Kulluk Air Permit Upheld by Environmental Appeals Board

On March 28, 2012, the BSEE approved Shell’s Oil Spill Response (OSR) Plan for the Beaufort Sea.

MV Aiviq Ready to Support Shell’s 2012 Drilling Program in Beaufort, Chukchi Seas

Winner Announced in Shell/Harvey Gulf International Marine Vessel Naming Competition

Musher DeeDee Jonrowe runs on pure energy, including on the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.

Shell Files Declaratory Judgment Action

The Department of Interior's BSEE approves Shell’s Oil Spill Response Plan for the Chukchi Sea

Shell plans to conduct its exploration drilling program using the Kulluk and Discoverer drill rigs. In addition, a variety of vessels will be used in support of the exploration drilling operations. Learn more about the vessels associated with Shell’s exploration program.

Over 5000 Scientific Studies To Date

AP Story: Regulatory hurdles have been cleared; machinery is being upgraded.

A collaborative effort to enhance Arctic oil spill response.

The Environmental Appeals Board (EAB) denied all petitions for review of Shell’s Noble Discoverer OCS air permits.

In her recent opinion piece, Wilderness Society Director, Lois Epstein, assumes that neither Alaskans, the Nation nor Shell is, "ready to drill safely in the Arctic."

USA Today Editorial Proceed with caution in Alaska

What do teacher from Scotland and Alaska have in Common? Turns out a lot. Learn more about the Polar Pairs Teacher Exchange in Alaska in fall 2011.

Great attendance at bi-annual meeting of the Shell sponsored Village Voice Board. The board is a group of local leaders from the North Slope villages who are working to help build capacity in their communities.

PEW’s campaign in opposition of Shell’s plans to drill in the Alaska offshore: Are we really ready to drill in the Arctic?

On December 16, 2011 the Bureau of Ocean and Energy Management (BOEM) met its statutory deadline and announced it has conditionally approved Shell’s Revised Chukchi Sea Exploration Plan (EP) for operations beginning in 2012.

Shell’s compendium series focuses on the science of the U.S. Arctic Outer Continental Shelf - Marine Mammals of the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas.

Head north and learn more about Shell’s 5-year, $4 Billion investment in a world-class Arctic program.

Head north and learn more about Shell’s 5-year, $4 Billion investment in a world-class Arctic program.

Head north and learn more about Shell’s 5-year, $4 Billion investment in a world-class Arctic program.

Head north and learn more about Shell’s 5-year, $4 Billion investment in a world-class Arctic program.

Head north and learn more about Shell’s 5-year, $4 Billion investment in a world-class Arctic program.

Edison Chouest and Shell Congratulate 12 year old Elizabeth Itta from Trapper School in Nuiqsut, 1st prize submission of the name Aiviq, meaning Walrus.

Shell has developed unprecedented Arctic oil spill response contingency plans. This animation shows the plan in action for the unlikely worst case discharge scenario in the Beaufort Sea.

Shell participates in the AK State Department of Natural Resources (ADNR), Division of Oil & Gas (DO&G), public lease sale for oil & gas in the Beaufort Sea

Next week, U.S. Dept of the Interior (DOI) officials will be in cities across the Gulf Coast & Alaska, as well as Washington, DC, to accept comments on the Draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed 2012-2017 OCS Oil & Gas Leasing Plan. Your attendance and participation is needed!

Recently, in a public letter from senior attorney Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., the NRDC made claims that Shell’s plans for exploration offshore Alaska do not include the proper safety protocols and response plans required for drilling in the Arctic. Furthermore, the NRDC claims that Shell would be unable to contain a blowout in the region and would, in turn, negatively impact local communities and wildlife. This is false – learn why.

Dr. Michael Macrander, lead scientist for Shell in Alaska, presented at the Institute of the North’s November Arctic Policy Forum.

Laurie Becwar, Shell Alaska's HR Account Manager, participated in the Mayor’s Education Summit in Anchorage.

Recently, Greenpeace insinuated in a public release that Shell’s aspirations for offshore Alaska are somehow linked to the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR).

Today’s announcement by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) that Shell’s 2012 Chukchi Sea Plan of Exploration has been deemed submitted is welcome news and adds to our confidence that we will be drilling our Alaska leases next summer.

Begich urges Salazar to release review schedule/timeline for Shell in Chukchi Sea

A popular belief is that oil comes from dead dinosaurs. It doesn’t.

Dark, rainy skies opened to beautiful rays of sunshine last Friday morning as nearly a dozen Shell Alaska employees volunteered to help build a home in Habitat for Humanity’s Oklahoma Commons job site in East Anchorage.

In June 2011 the Report entitled An Evaluation of the Science Needs to Inform Decisions on Outer Continental Shelf Energy Development in the Chukchi and Beaufort Seas, Alaska was released to Department of Interior Secretary Ken Salazar by the U.S. Geological Survey.

Several members of Shell’s staff in the Anchorage office spent Wednesday September 14th giving back to the community during United Way’s Day of Caring.

In a letter to the Regional Administrator, AOGA urged EPA to support Shell’s air permit for the Kulluk Drillship.

On August 23, 2011 Shell, alongside ConocoPhillips and Statoil, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to formally share scientific information the companies have worked individually and jointly to collect.

See the webchat hosted by Robert Blaauw, Lead for Shell’s Global Arctic Theme

Shell submitted a letter dated August 3, 2011 to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement clarifying Shell’s commitments to the highest standards for its Alaska Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) proposed operations. The letter is intended to provide information to help answer any questions or comments received from the public.

Oil and gas don’t just fuel cars and airplanes, heat our homes and bring us modern products.

Visit the Consumer Energy Alliance website to make your voice heard.

This afternoon, Shell submitted a Plan of Exploration that details company plans to drill exploratory wells in the Chukchi Sea beginning in 2012.

Shell has several decades of experience operating in a number of Arctic and sub-Arctic regions, and we stand ready to explore offshore Alaska.

Chukchi Plan of Exploration Soon to Follow

Although Alaska has a history of offshore exploration and production, the exact activities associated with offshore development are often misunderstood.

Science of the U.S. Arctic OCS Volume 2: Physical Oceanography Released

Shell recently visited multiple villages in the North Slope Borough and Northwest Arctic Borough regions to discuss plans for future drilling programs.

Visit the links below to read the Economic Analysis of Future Offshore Oil and Gas Development.

Shell announced today it will forgo a 2011 drilling program in Alaska and will use the remainder of the calendar year to work with regulators to obtain the permits needed for a 2012 exploratory drilling campaign.

The Alaska SeaLife Center, Alaska’s only combined public aquarium, research facility and ocean wildlife rescue center, honored Shell Alaska with an Alaska Ocean Leadership Award during its Marine Gala, held January 16, 2011.

Shell leaders have actively engaged with senior leadership in Washington D.C. over the last several weeks, including the presentation of official verbal and written testimony to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEM), National Oil Spill Commission and Ken Salazar, Secretary of the Interior.

In an effort to answer key scientific questions and concerns related to exploration and development in Alaska’s outer continental shelf, the North Slope Borough and Shell have entered into a multi-year collaborative science agreement.