Royal Dutch Shell plc (ADR) (NYSE:RDS.A) is facing a tense standoff on its push to drill an oil rig in the Arctic as environment activists raise concerns that drilling operations could damage whales habitat. The company’s icebreaker was a target of the activist as soon as it left Portland Oregon for the Arctic drilling operation.
Police Battle Protesters Opposed To the Drilling
Several protesters in Kayaks could be seen moving towards the center of the river once the ship started sailing. However authorities in boats and personal watercraft were at hand to clear a narrow pathway for the Fennica. Two activists were arrested in the altercation with two other being issued with police citations.
Royal Dutch Shell plc (ADR) (NYSE:RDS.A) seems to have won the battle in court a US judge having held the activist movement in contempt. A fine of $2,500 per hour for the protest had already been issued with the fines rolling to $10,000 per hour after Aug 2. It is still unclear how much the movement incurred as a result of the protest.
Royal Dutch Shell plc (ADR) (NYSE:RDS.A) had tried to move the Fennica from the dry dock on Thursday but was forced to retreat after protesters dangling on the bridge refused to leave and let the vessel pass.
Drilling To End In October
The activists had hope to derail the Fennica long enough until the winter starts, which could have prevented Shell from starting drilling works. The idea was to derail the process till 2016 hoping the Obama administration would have a change of heart on the same issue.
Royal Dutch Shell plc (ADR) (NYSE:RDS.A) is returning to the Arctic for the first time since 2012 after experiencing a series of challenges including the grounding of one of its oil rigs. Drilling will not start until the Fennica is on site, filled with emergency equipment that will be used to clamp any blown-out well. Shell is also to complete the drilling in October before sea ice starts to form.
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