Update: The Greenpeace activists, including actress Lucy Lawless, were arrested Monday.
Original: Seven Greenpeace protesters, including Hollywood star Lucy Lawless, managed to make their way on board the Shell-contracted Noble Discoverer in New Zealand’s Port Taranaki this past Thursday morning and climb atop the derrick in a protest against Arctic drilling.
The vessel was about to depart on an 11,000km journey to drill three exploratory oil wells in the Chukchi Sea off the coast of Alaska.
Shell said in a statement it was “disappointed” that Greenpeace had chosen this method of protest.
“While we respect the right of individuals to express their point of view the priority should be the safety of Noble Discoverer’s personnel and that of the protesters.
“Shell has undertaken unprecedented steps to pursue safe, environmentally responsible exploration in shallow water off the coast of Alaska. We recognise the industry licence to operate offshore is predicated on being able to operate in a safe, environmentally responsible manner.”
Shell’s Alaska exploration plans were guided by extensive Arctic expertise and world-class capabilities, it said.
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