Shell's Arctic Drillship, The Kulluk, Grounds Off Alaska in Harsh Seas

Published Jan 2, 2013 3:43 PM by The Maritime Executive

Shell has confirmed its Arctic-class drillship, The Kulluk, grounded on the southeast shoreline of Sitkalidak Island, Alaska, at approximately 9 p.m. local time on December 31, 2012, while under tow in heavy seas from Alaska to the U.S. port of Seattle, Washington State. There has been no loss of life and no significant injuries as a result of this incident and Shell is working hard with the relevant authorities to protect the maritime environment in the vicinity of the grounded vessel.

The oil company released the following statement:

The grounding of the Kulluk is a maritime transportation incident and not a drilling incident. Operational and media responses are being managed through a unified response team, led by the U.S. Coastguard. Media information can be found via the following link: www.kullukresponse.com

Shell deeply appreciates the professional and effective response of the responders from the U.S. Coast Guard, Shell, Noble, Edison Chouest and many other organizations who worked together seamlessly at sea and under extreme weather conditions to control the vessel, rescue the crew on board, and prevent injury and environmental impact.

In the circumstances we faced over the last 4 days, we cannot underscore enough how significant it is to have weathered fierce winds and high seas with no more than two first aid cases.

The Kulluk successfully completed its role in supporting our 2012 Alaska exploration program several weeks ago and was en route to winter harbor, through waters off the southern coast of Alaska, when this incident occurred. We have already begun a review - working with our marine experts, partners and suppliers – of how this sequence of events, including the failure of multiple engines on the MV Aiviq (towing vessel) led to this incident. We intend to use lessons from that review to strengthen our maritime fleet operations, globally.

The incident did not involve our drilling operations, nor does it involve any possibility of crude oil release. Through our role in the Unified Incident Command, we quickly mobilized experts to respond to this situation. And, we can confidently say that the Shell emergency response assets and contingences that were deployed over the last four days represent the best available in the world.

Throughout the week, Coast Guard crews battled the elements to provide assistance to the crews of the Kulluk and its four support vessels, Aiviq, Nanuq, Guardsman and Alert. Coast Guard crews in conjunction with Royal Dutch Shell are working together to ensure the safety of life at sea.

Their most recent update is detailed below:

The Coast Guard's 17th District continues to provide assistance to the Kulluk Tow Incident unified command, Wednesday.

Rear Adm. Thomas Ostebo, commander, Coast Guard 17th District and commander of Coast Guard forces in Alaska, is actively assisting and supporting Capt. Paul Mehler III, commander, Coast Guard Sector Anchorage and Federal On-Scene Coordinator for the Kulluk Tow Incident.

"My primary concern is ensuring the unified command has the personnel, assets and equipment they need to safely salvage the Kulluk," said Ostebo. "I have over flown the Kulluk twice and am fully aware of the remote location, weather challenges and the extensive plans that will have to be developed to ensure this incident is managed in safe and effective manner."

Ostebo is also working with the unified command to ensure that the public, stakeholders and elected officials are kept up to date on the response and its objectives.

"This is a very large and complex response and it is important that the American public and our elected officials understand the dangerous and difficult challenges being faced by the response crews," said Ostebo. "We are continuing our collaborated response with other shareholders in the unified command until the grounded Kulluk no longer poses a threat to the pristine Alaska maritime environment. Throughout the response, our number one priority has been and will continue to be ensuring the safety of the crews involved in response operations."

Ostebo assumed the duties as the Coast Guard 17th District commander in May 2011. He is responsible for all Coast Guard operations throughout Alaska which includes protecting life and property, enforcing federal laws and treaties, preserving the living marine resources, and promoting national security.