Coast Guard Investigates Arctic Drill Ship

A drill ship used by Shell Oil in Arctic waters off Alaska's coast is under investigation by the Coast Guard for issues with pollution control equipment and crew safety.

Tools

by DAN JOLING, Associated Press

Story Created: Dec 27, 2012 at 6:07 PM AKDT

Story Updated: Dec 27, 2012 at 6:07 PM AKDT

ANCHORAGE - A drill ship used by Shell Oil in Arctic waters off Alaska's coast is under investigation by the Coast Guard for issues with pollution control equipment and crew safety.

The Noble Discoverer, owned by Noble Corp., has been temporarily ordered to remain in Seward, Alaska, while deficiencies were corrected.

Coast Guard spokesman Kip Wadlow says the investigation continues, but the drill ship is in good enough shape to be towed to a shipyard in the Pacific Northwest for additional repair.

A Noble Corp. spokesman did not immediately answer a phone call Thursday.

Shell Alaska spokesman Curtis Smith says six issues that were identified have been resolved and 10 more will be addressed at the shipyard.

He says the problems are largely connected to the ship's marine systems and not to drilling activities.

Add a comment

Name:

Comment: 1000 Characters Left

Coastal Television | AK News, Weather and Sports | and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the above comments or other interaction among the users. We reserve the right to screen, refuse to post, remove or edit user-generated content at any time and for any or no reason in our absolute and sole discretion without prior notice, although we have no duty to do so or to monitor any Public Forum.
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

Poll

Should there be more safety precautions in place during Arctic Man?

  • Yes
  • No

Tonight on Your Alaska Link