Category Archives: General

BREAKING! Shell’s Arctic icebreaker damaged in Alaska

According to an article published today July 7th, 2015 on fuelfix.com :

WASHINGTON — Shell’s drive to resume Arctic drilling this summer has hit another speed bump, with the discovery of a hole in the hull of an ice management vessel meant to safeguard the company’s operations in the Chukchi Sea.

The MSV Fennica was on its way from Dutch Harbor, Alaska to the Chukchi Sea on Friday when a ballast tank leak was discovered by crew members and a certified Alaska marine harbor pilot on board the vessel. It was traced back to a gash about 39 inches long and 2 inches wide.

The 22-year-old icebreaker has since returned to the port in Dutch Harbor and is being examined by marine experts, but it is uncertain how quickly the breach in its hull can be repaired and whether this will delay Shell’s hopes to begin drilling an oil well in the Chukchi Sea later this month.

The Fennica is just one of the 29 vessels in Shell’s Arctic fleet, which includes another icebreaker, the MSV Nordica, and at least two other anchor handlers tasked with helping to keep ice away from the company’s drilling site. But Shell’s contracted Fennica is unique in that it is carrying a critical piece of the company’s Arctic containment system: a capping stack designed to fit on top of a damaged well in case of a blowout or other emergency.

Shell spokesman Curtis Smith said the company does not believe the incident will delay the company’s planned Chukchi Sea operations. But, he noted, “any impact to our season will ultimately depend on the extent of the damage.”

Separately, the company is waiting on at least one drilling permit before it can begin boring a new well into its Burger prospect about 70 miles off the coast. Regulators at the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement are still scrutinizing Shell’s applications to drill two wells, about 8.9 miles apart.

Shell is already being forced to scale back its plans to drill two of its Burger wells at the same time, following a ruling by the Interior Department that wildlife protection regulations do not allow simultaneous drilling operations within 15 miles.

Update: The MSV Fennica is en-route to Portland, Oregon, for repairs at Vigor Industrial shipyard. According to the Houston Chronicle, the Fennica is expected to arrive around Tuesday, July 21st to Thursday, July 23rd.

THIS STILL ISN’T OVER!

THIS STILL ISN’T OVER!

The POLAR PLUNDERER and the IGNOBLE DESPOILER have now both departed on their mission to destroy the Arctic and kill us all. Their current locations can be tracked by clicking on their names above. While they may have escaped the easy grasp of many on land, they still have to deal with the might of the Chukchi and Beaufort seas. Considering they had so much trouble navigating the Polar Plunderer in the Puget Sound (Southern Salish Sea), they likely will meet a similar fate as the Kulluk in 2012. Regardless of their success or failure this year’s “arctic drilling season” Shell has a long term contract to station its Arctic drilling fleet in the Port of Seattle and thus intends to return there eventually. Short of using the above links to track down the oil rigs and taking action on the high seas, for the time being people can take action in many ways including but not limited to:

-participating in the boycott of Shell gas stations everywhere

-spreading the whispers of and preparing for the anti Arctic drilling convergence in Seattle in 2016

-continuing to spread awareness everywhere of the implications of Arctic drilling, mobilizing friends and family can be a good start as well as public outreach

-fighting other extractive industry projects and learning from those struggles in preparation to stop Shell next year. One such opportunity is the “Call of the East” in Montreal happening now a summer of actions against Enbridge’s “Line 9” (Tar Sands) [If you would like to see other convergences listed here, please contact shellshock@riseup.net]

-learning to live without fossil fuels and spreading those practices [to request or share materials on this please contact shellshock@riseup.net]

-and much more!

[please contact shellshock@riseup.net to add to this list!]

Statement from a Seattle Raging Granny

Cynthia Linet (June 2015)
I’ve been a proud member of the Seattle Raging Grannies for about 2 years, but I feel as if I have known these women all my life.

The Raging Grannies are an international organization, approx. 25 years old, whose mission it is to shine a light on issues they feel deeply about with humor and song. Everybody loves the Grannies.

While we support many issues including mental illness and homelessness, Climate warming is the issue of our time. The hurricanes that killed over 6,000 people in the Philippines recently, the heatwaves in India that have killed over 2,000 people this year alone, intense wild fires that grow worse each year due to drought, as well as the mass migrations of people all over the world, due to upheavals brought about by scarce resources, are all evidence of global warming. If we don’t resolve this one issue, stop burning fossil fuels and switch to solar and wind now, then it’s the end of life as we know it.

Shell Oil is the very image of corporate greed, Capitalism run amok, all that is wrong in our country; willing to drill in the arctic, inspite of their dismal track record and the strong opposition of the public, not to mention the 75% chance that they will have an oil spill. Would you board a plane if you knew there was a 75% chance of it crashing? Even yesterday, they had trouble in Port Townsend. They didn’t estimate the level of water they were in beforehand and got caught when the water was lower than they needed. Let’s hope they don’t crash and pollute the shore. Why do we allow it? They have to be stopped.

And that is why the grannies were willing to place themselves on the railroad tracks, chained to each other and to the rocking chairs. We had heard that Shell had a small window of time to get to the arctic to drill and explore before the winter ice sets in. If we could stall them til the end of June, we might be able to prevent them from going this year or maybe ever. Shell is the only company that still wants to continue exploiting the arctic. All the others have stopped.

So, at 6:10 am on June 9th, 2015, just before the shift change, our entourage of people and technical blockades landed at the site. We were astonished to find that there were no police anywhere to be seen. The grannies were chained to their rockers and to each other in less than 2 minutes. And four of us were attached by one arm to lockboxes. It took the police about 40 minutes to get there and then they came enmass, in 24 bright and shiny police cars with all their lights flashing.

They didn’t know what to do with us. Seemed rather confused at first. After awhile, the other technical blockades agreed to unlock since they had succeeded in preventing the workers from entering. We were the last in lock down. And we refused to go.

Then a funny thing happened, the police left. It was strange, not one around. I guess they figured that they could take a break, hope that we would unlock before the next shift or they’d come back then.

But pretty soon they were back. They surrounded the grannies with about 15 policemen and told us that they would be cutting us out and taking us to jail. There was no attempt at negotiation. They threw large tarps over us to prevent sparks from hurting us. They were careful. It took them awhile though to saw through the lockboxes, but they worked quickly.

Later on we figured that because we were on the railroad tracks the railroad company was angry. We had stopped them for 4 and a half hours. And while they were quick to say that it wasn’t oil or coal trains that were prevented from passing, we know that the fossil fuel industry has the railroad in its back pocket. Many agricultural products now have a difficult time getting to markets because the oil and coal trains are monopolizing the railways. So in essence, big oil and coal had demanded our removal and the police had done their bidding quickly.

The police treated us very carefully though and allowed our support team to come with us. After all, one of the grannies was 93 years old.

We weren’t there long and were told that a citation would be sent to us. It’s hard to believe that they will charge us though, it wouldn’t look too good if the entire environmental movement came to the trial to see a bunch of old ladies, who were trying to protect the planet for their grandchildren, be tried as common criminals.

Afterwards, I wish I had said to the chief officer there “So do you consider this to be one of your finer moments in policing?” Maybe I can use it next time.

I’m old, what’s coming won’t effect me much. This is about the future of our children and the planet. I could never live with myself if I didn’t try to do something to stop it. When I’m not doing something active towards stopping our slide into disaster, that’s when I really get depressed.

I want you to know though, that there is something quite joyous about joining with those who think like you do and are willing to put their lives on the line for what they believe. Relationships grow very close as trust develops. The Grannies could not have done that blockade without a strong support system. And I can’t tell you how much fun its been. I’m getting to work with a lot of young people who respect the elderly and are happy we are there.

All I can say is, our generation caused it and we need to fix it for our children before it’s too late. So there are endless ways to get involved. Lots of organizations working on these issues. Greenpeace, 350.org, The Sierra Club, just to name a few. They’re easy to find. Or you could start a Raging Grannie group in your neck of the woods. Our website shows just how to do it.

In the end, I do not want my greatgrandchildren to look back after I’m gone and wonder why I didn’t do more to try and change things.

Come join the land and water vigil in Everett!

June Against Doom!

Come join the ongoing vigil on land and water up in Everett against Shell’s Arctic drill ship, the Noble Discoverer.
We need folks for the 3pm and 7pm shifts today, early in the morning and more.
Kayaks available.
Land vigil at Marine View Drive and 25th St (side road by the tracks).
Kayak launch point at public boat launch on Marine View Dr and 10th st.
Call or text (206) 992 7474 to let us know you are coming. ‪#‎sHellNo‬ ‪#‎ClimateJusticeForAll‬

What now? Public debrief and upcoming actions…

What now? #sHellNO public debrief, regional networking and skillshare [DAY CHANGE: MONDAY]

Monday June 22 6:30-9pm
*2nd floor, behind the escalators at Washington State Convention Center (800 Convention Pl, Seattle, WA 98101)
*ADA accessible restrooms and elevator

Interested in stopping Royal Dutch Shell’s plans to drill for oil in the Arctic? Whether you have been involved for awhile or are just now getting engaged this space is meant to grow our resistance against mass extinction. Gathering will involve a debrief of what has happened to date with the #sHellNO movement, update on current status of Shell’s operation, regional networking, and skill shares for movement related skills.

6:30-7:15 Affinity groups gather and reportback internally
7:15-7:30 Social and personal break
7:30-8:15 Collective general report
8:15-8:45 Survival discussion: what now and what next?
8:45-9:00 Social and personal break
9pm+ Optional time for skillshares, work sessions, etc.

Please contact shellshock@riseup.net with questions, comments, concerns, skillshare offers, or suggestions.

more info at shell.noblogs.org and shellno.org


Sunday 5/21 at 11am – 2pm: Photobomb the PGA with the People’s Climate Fleet!
NO OIL TRains 2Join the People’s Climate Action Fleet, off the coast of the Chambers Bay Golf Course in Pierce County. Bring all your watercraft – kayaks, canoes, sailboats, and power boats. The Chambers Bay Golf Course hosts the 2015 U.S. Open Golf Tournament. More than two hundred thousand people will attend the tournament and one hundred million more will watch the action on television.

There are kayaks for an additional 16+ butts!

Assemble at Sunnyside Beach Park in Steilacoom. Boats leave at 11:30 so get there early.

Share & RSVP on Facebook

Contact Rod Tharp 360-951-1080 peoplesclimateactionfleet@earthlink.net

All the info you need HERE!


 

Nighttime Flotilla to the Noble Discoverer Monday 9pm

Join the Flotilla LED OLB sHellNOShell’s Noble Discoverer is as nefarious as the polar pioneer. Join fellow kayaktivists to say “there’s nothing noble about destroying the planet” and demand “No Arctic Drilling.”

We have kayaks for 16+ butts.

RSVP to join the caravan to Everett following the debrief. We’ll carpool up. Meeting location TBA.

PS: Don’t forget to sign-up for Localize This! Action Camp on Vashon on August 11th17th.

LEAKED: The real agenda for “The Promise of the Arctic” conference

LEAKED: The real agenda for The Promise of the Arctic” conference plotting mass murder co-sponsored by Foss Maritime and Royal Dutch Shell: 

Picket the Wicked (s)HELL Planners plotting GENOCIDE
June 17: Come out 7:30am to the Renaissance Hotel, #CrashTheConference #PicketTheWicked

Shell and Foss are co-sponsoring a two-day conference in Seattle (it is physically possible to enter without registering and paying…):

The Promise of the Arctic:
Managing Opportunity Responsibly
June 16-17, 2015
at Renaissance Hotel (515 Madison St, Seattle, WA)

 

THIS ISN’T OVER! Shell needs its entire fleet in the Arctic to be successful in its mission to kill us all. The POLAR PLUNDERER may have escaped the easy grasp of those currently in Duwamish and Suquamish territories (aka Seattle) but there is still work to be done. Stop the IGNOBLE DESPOILER from leaving. It is currently stationed in the Port of Everett just west of Everett Ave and Federal Ave with a destination of Seattle listed (June 16 3:30pm 2015).

Also for those further north, keep track of the POLAR PLUNDERER and please do what you can!

By land and sea, destruction of our earth, past, present and futures ends here! From the Salish Sea to the Chukchi gather in Duwamish and Suquamish territories to confront Shell here or take action where you are.

FOLLOW AT:

@StopShellSEA      Facebook : Le logo de Facebook Stop Shell Seattle   Facebook : Le logo de FacebookShellNO Action Council

THIS ISN’T OVER!

THIS ISN’T OVER! Shell needs its entire fleet in the Arctic to be successful in its mission to kill us all. The POLAR PLUNDERER may have escaped the easy grasp of those currently in Duwamish and Suquamish territories (aka Seattle) but there is still work to be done. Stop the IGNOBLE DESPOILER from leaving. It is currently stationed in the Port of Everett just west of Everett Ave and Federal Ave with a destination of Seattle listed (June 16 3:30pm 2015).

Also for those further north, keep track of the POLAR PLUNDERER and please do what you can!

Currently scheduled events:
(email shellshock@riseup.net to get yours added!)

Picket the Wicked (s)HELL Planners plotting GENOCIDE
June 17: Come out 7:30am to the Renaissance Hotel, #CrashTheConference #PicketTheWicked

Shell and Foss are co-sponsoring a two-day conference in Seattle (it is physically possible to enter without registering and paying…):

The Promise of the Arctic:
Managing Opportunity Responsibly
June 16-17, 2015
at Renaissance Hotel (515 Madison St, Seattle, WA)

By land and sea, destruction of our earth, past, present and futures ends here! From the Salish Sea to the Chukchi gather in Duwamish and Suquamish territories to confront Shell here or take action where you are.

FOLLOW AT:

@StopShellSEA      Facebook : Le logo de Facebook Stop Shell Seattle

POLAR PIONEER has escaped Puget Sound…and now?

POLAR PIONEER has escaped Puget Sound. Currently en route to destroy the planet by drilling in the Arctic. Check here for latest location and status. Anything to slow it down buys us time on earth.

By land and sea, destruction of our earth, past, present and futures ends here! From the Salish Sea to the Chukchi gather in Duwamish and Suquamish territories to confront Shell here or take action where you are.

Currently scheduled events:
(email shellshock@riseup.net to get yours added!)

Shell and Foss will be co-sponsoring a two-day conference in Seattle (it is physically possible to enter without registering and paying…):

The Promise of the Arctic:
Managing Opportunity Responsibly
June 16-17, 2015
at Renaissance Hotel (515 Madison St, Seattle, WA)

FOLLOW AT:

@StopShellSEA      Facebook : Le logo de Facebook June Against Doom – Community Pickets Aainst sHELL

COME JOIN US IN PORT TOWNSEND NOW!!

COME JOIN US IN PORT TOWNSEND NOW!!

CORRECTION: Support and launch from Northwest Maritime Center (just northeast of Water street from the ferry terminal). Boats are already in the water but more support from land and more people in the water needed. IT IS ALMOST HERE (7pm PST)!

BOATS AND PEOPLE assembling from communities across the Puget Sound and we need your help to defend the Arctic right now.

We’ve already beeg successful in delaying it in Seattle and Bainbridge today and this is our last chance in the Puget Sound/Southern Salish Sea.

Polar Pioneer is now HERE. Rough ETA to Port Townsend around 7pm. Folks are arriving now, so try to arrive soon, we will be hitting the waters around 5:30pm.

Please spread the word to anyone you know in the area!

LISTEN HERE FOR LATEST LOCATION AND INFO

TIME TO EXECUTE PLAN C, SPREAD THE WORD

PLEASE DONATE

By land and sea, destruction of our earth, past, present and futures ends here! From the Salish Sea to the Chukchi gather in Duwamish and Suquamish territories to confront Shell here or take action where you are.