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Kiliuda Bay News

21 Feb 2013

Shell's 'Kulluk' Declared Free to Proceed

The Coast Guard has lifted the order restricting the movement of the conical drilling unit 'Kulluk' from Kiliuda Bay, Alaska. “I reviewed all of the relevant and available information and determined that Shell has met the requirements of the Captain of the Port Order,” said Capt. Paul Mehler III, commander Coast Guard Sector Anchorage and Captain of the Port, Western Alaska. Mehler signed the order directing the Kulluk to remain at anchor in Kiliuda Bay on Jan. 7, 2013 after a determination was made that the vessel posed a potential threat to personnel safety and the environment after it ran aground near Sitkalidak Island and was refloated.

19 Feb 2013

Kulluk Due 'Piggy-back' Ride to Asian Shipyard

'Kulluk' in Kiliuda Bay

Owners Shell confirm that 'Kulluk' safe to tow from Kiluda Bay to Dutch Harbor & await arrival of heavy-lift semi submersible vessel for the 'dry tow'. The Unified Command has been stood down. “Agency representatives will return to their normal roles and responsibilities," said Capt. Paul Mehler III, the Coast Guard Federal On-Scene Coordinator. After weeks of thorough assessment, analysis and on board activity, Shell confirmed that the Kulluk is safe to tow out of Kiliuda Bay.

12 Feb 2013

Places of Refuge

The concept of force majeure has been broadly accepted since mariners initially encountered the perils of the sea. Persons and governments ashore have been obligated, at least by natural law, to accept and succor those in distress at sea. Concomitant with force majeure is the notion of providing a ship in distress with a place or port of refuge. A place of refuge is where a ship could go to avoid or ameliorate the peril and then depart at the earliest opportunity. While the original need for force majeure and a place of refuge was to reduce the risk to the lives of those on board the ship…

31 Jan 2013

'Kulluk' Update: Preparations for Tow Progressing

Kuluk Unified Command Meet: Photo credit USCG

The 'Unified Command' continues to oversee preparations for the next steps in the 'Kulluk' response. Multiple entities remain involved including: the U.S. Coast Guard, Shell, the State of Alaska, Smit Salvage and Det Norske Veritas. Unified Command’s priority continues to be the safety of all personnel and the environment. Tow equipment has been secured and is currently in Kodiak. The Kulluk’s openings on the main deck (i.e., windows and hatches) have been secured and in some…

20 Jan 2013

'Kulluk' Damage Assessment Continues

Damage Inspection: Photo credit USCG

The Coast Guard continues oversight of the runaway Shell conical rig still anchored in Kiliuda Bay, Alaska. The Kulluk  ran aground Dec. 31, 2012 on Sitkalidak Island and was later refloated and anchored in Kiliuda Bay. Coast Guard personnel from the National Center of Expertise, the Salvage Emergency Response Team and Sector Anchorage have been aboard the Kulluk to assess the vessel’s stability, identify any potential pollution issues and to gather information for the ongoing investigation into the incident.

16 Jan 2013

Update #41: Kulluk Remains Stable

Unified Command develops mitigation strategies for crab fishery. The Kulluk remains in stable condition with no reports of a release. Data from the completed underwater assessment of the Kulluk continues to be analyzed. Unified Command has developed mitigation strategies collaboratively with the Kodiak Crab Alliance Cooperative. This will reduce potential impacts to the fishery during the upcoming crabbing season. The Kulluk will remain onsite in the inner Kiliuda Bay until the conclusion of the Tanner Crab fishing season. A Marine Coordinator will be onsite to coordinate the movement of response vessels. An update will be provided every four hours to the crab fishermen.

11 Jan 2013

Update #38: Kulluk Anchor, Hull Inspected in ROV surveys

•    Assessment of the Kulluk drilling vessel in Kiliuda Bay continues. Two remotely operated vehicle (ROV) surveys have been completed. The first was for the Kulluk’s anchor and chain. That survey revealed the anchor is firmly embedded with the chain buried near the anchor. No hard formations were found in the area surrounding the anchor. The second began an assessment of the Kulluk’s hull. •    Further assessment of the situation regarding the four dislodged survival boats and the one dislodged rescue boat determined that the potential exists for the release of approximately 316 gallons of ultra low sulfur diesel fuel. To date there has been no confirmation of any release. If any fluids are identified to have been released on the shoreline, Unified Command will be prepared to mitigate.

10 Jan 2013

Unified Command Issues Kulluk Update

Update #37: Kulluk assessment continues, Sitkalidak Island debris removal. Assessment of the Kulluk drilling vessel in Kiliuda Bay continues, with inspection-class remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) being utilized to assess the hull. There continues to be no sign of leakage from the Kulluk. Assessment crews at the direction of Unified Command, along with local representation from Old Harbor Native Corporation, continue to survey the grounding area in Sitkalidak Island to enable the recovery of survival and rescue boats and other debris from the Kulluk. Cleanup activities on the shoreline will proceed in the next few days, daylight and weather permitting. A local archeologist visited the grounding site Jan.

09 Jan 2013

'Kulluk' Rig Latest News: Enquiry Also Ordered

Towing of the 'Kulluk': Image credit Unified Command

Kulluk remains anchored in Alaska's Kiliuda Bay, ROVs due to arrive for hull integrity assessment. The Kulluk remains safely anchored in Kiliuda Bay at its assessment position. There continues to be no sign of leakage in the vicinity. Support vessels will remain with the Kulluk during its assessment, while other resources contracted specifically for the salvage operation are in the process of demobilizing. Remote-Operated Vehicles (ROVs) are arriving at the Kulluk later today to begin assessing the hull. Divers will be deployed if necessary.

08 Jan 2013

Wayward Rig 'Kulluk' Safely Arrives Kiliuda Bay

Logos courtesy of Unified Command

The 'Kulluk', towed by the 'AHTS Aiviq' has arrived in the safe harbor for assessment of any damage caused by its recent grounding. The Kulluk was refloated from its Ocean Bay position, off Sitkalidak Island, late Jan. 6, and will remain connected to its support vessels while it undergoes assessment in Kiliuda Bay, located about 30 miles north of Ocean Bay. The final location for assessment within the Bay will be determined by environmental conditions, including weather. The Coast…

07 Jan 2013

Towline Aboard Stranded 'Kulluk' Rig

Rig 'Kulluk' Aground: Photo credit Shell

Aerial and onboard inspections confirm the vessel remains firmly aground & stable on Sitkalidak Island, Alaska, with no sign of leakage of pollutants. Naval architects on the survey team confirm the Kulluk is structurally sound and fit for towing to safe harbor in nearby Kiliuda Bay. The exact timing for potential towing activity is dependent on weather, tides and operational readiness. Once the Unified Command team managing the incident confirms it is safe and ready to move forward, the recovery operation will begin.