Shell 'not fully prepared' for Arctic challenges

Not prepared: Interior report makes recommendations for Shell in Arctic

USCG

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Luke Johnson

 14 March 2013 22:48 GMT

Anglo-Dutch supermajor Shell was "not fully prepared" for the complex challenges posed by the harsh conditions of the Arctic in its aborted drilling campaign off Alaska, a review by the US Department of Interior concluded.

Shell also failed to adequately manage its contractors, which added to delays and hasty executions and ultimately led to the company cancelling its drilling plans for 2013, the review said.

"Shell’s difficulties have raised serious questions regarding its ability to operate safely and responsibly in the challenging and unpredictable conditions offshore Alaska," the report said.

Click here to read a copy of the full report.

The review said Shell should in future submit a "comprehensive, integrated plan describing every phase of its operation from preparations through demobilisation".

It also suggested that Shell…

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