Royal Dutch Shell could be forced to delay its entire drilling programme in the Arctic this year unless its grounded Kulluk rig can be repaired in time, the City’s top oil analyst has warned. The grounding of the Kulluk rig has left Peter Voser, Shell’s chief executive, dealing with a ‘reputational hit’.
By Emily Gosden: Published in The Sunday Telegraph 6 Jan 2013
The oil major’s controversial project also faces a series of regulatory hurdles that may now be even harder to pass as opponents of Arctic drilling prepare to capitalise on the reputational damage of the accident.
Last night, the Kulluk drilling rig remained grounded off Alaska as the US Army was drafted in to help salvage operations. Officials were unable to say whether the rig, which was hit by a storm while being towed to Seattle for maintenance, was seaworthy or when it could be moved.