Transocean Polar Pioneer

The Polar Pioneer was one of two harsh environment drilling rigs Shell contracted to carry out drilling operations in the Chukchi and Beaufort Seas.

But exploratory drilling in Chukchi Sea failed to find enough recoverable oil, forcing Shell to announce that it was abandoning its Alaskan Arctic drilling ambitions all together after spending about $7 billion. 

The Polar Pioneer received some unwanted media attention leading up to this summer’s drilling program when it was boarded by Greenpeace activists as it sailed across the Pacific Ocean and later as it was met by protests in Seattle. 

Shell has also terminated the contract for Noble Corporation’s Noble Discoverer drillship ahead of schedule.

Shell announced that it was reducing its 2016 spending by about $2 billion as it weathers the collapse in oil prices and prepares for its acquisition of BG Group. More details.1 More details.2