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. “We will monitor the movement of the Kulluk to Dutch Harbor and will engage if needed.”

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.

In preparation for lifting the Captain of the Port order, written notification was provided from the vessel’s Flag State and/or Class Society that the Kulluk was safe to proceed to its port of destination, and Coast Guard personnel were provided an opportunity to review the final written tow plan for Kulluk’s departure from Kiliuda Bay.