"One of Shell’s Arctic Drilling Ships Hits a Snag"

"DUTCH HARBOR, Alaska – In another setback for Shell Oil’s summer Arctic drilling plans, a ship headed for the Shell prospect in the Chukchi Sea off northwest Alaska was forced to return to Dutch Harbor Friday after a hole was discovered in its hull.

The Fennica, a 380-foot Finnish vessel, is one of 29 ships and drilling rigs Shell plans to send to the Chukchi Sea exploration area this summer.

The ship has a key role in the drilling scenario as it was to deploy a capping stack designed to fit on top of a damaged well in case of a blowout or other emergency. It was also to keep ice chunks from interfering with operations in the drilling area."

Environment News Service had the story July 7, 2015.

Source: ENS, 07/08/2015