Shell's Arctic Drilling Dreams Supported by Brand New Icebreaker

Shell Oil’s offshore drilling determinations will now be supported by a brand new icebreaking vessel that will soon make its way to the Arctic.

The Aiviq was christened over the weekend in Louisiana at Port Fourchon and Shell officials state that the newbuild was specifically constructed by Edison Chouest to work in Alaska’s offshore. As noted in the past month, the oil giant has plans to drill wells in the Chukchi and Beaufort Seas. They have already attained the numerous permits necessary, and the Aiviq is another step towards the desired Alaskan Arctic oil exploration.

The ice vessel is 360 feet long and can hold 10,000 barrels of oil. The company shelled out nearly $200 million for the ship, as it was commissioned two years ago. A Shell representative reported that over 2 million labor hours and newfound technology opportunities were put into this project. This is a vessel like no other generally built in the United States.

The Aiviq is also a tug-slash-support ship and its hull is designed to cut through even thick sea ice. The ship is longer, wider and deeper than any other Edison Chouest has constructed. The Aiviq will depart Louisiana in the next few weeks and is expected to arrive on station in Alaska waters by July, when Shell expects to commence its exploratory project.