The Shell-chartered Kulluk drilling rig is currently grounded on an island off the southeast shoreline of Alaska after separating from its towing vessels.

The operator confirmed that the Arctic- class drillship grounded on Sitkalidak Island at approximately 9pm local time on 31 December while under tow in heavy seas. The rig is en route from Alaska to the U.S. port of Seattle. Shell said there had been no loss of life and no significant injuries as a result of the incident, and that it is working hard with the relevant authorities to protect the maritime enviroment in the vicinity of the grounded vessel.

The company described the grounding of the Kulluk as a “maritime transportation incident and not a drilling incident”. It continued: “Shell deeply appreciates the professional and effective response of the responders from the U.S. Coast Guard, Shell, Noble, Edison Chouest and many other organisations 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 four 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 harbour, through waters off the southern coast of Alaska, when this incident occurred.”

The operator is reviewing the sequence of events, including the failure of multiple engines on the MV Aiviq (the towing vessel), which led to the incident. It added that it intends to use lessons from the review to strengthen its maritime fleet operations globally.

It further reiterated that the incident did not involve any drilling operations or the possibility of any crude oil release.

An assessment team boarded the rig to evaluate its condition after it ran aground and was able to confirm earlier indications that the rig remains firmly aground and is stable. The team also confirmed there are no signs of environmental impact and no leakage.