Shell Oil Exploration Vessels at Unalaska

The MSV Fennica is tied up in Dutch Harbor in Unalaska as a worker throws some sparks working in the foreground. Crew members and a harbor pilot discovered a leak in the Fennica's ballast tank, on July 10, forcing the vessel back to Dutch. Reports say the gash measured approximately 39 inches long by less than a half an inch wide. The MSV Fennica is one of 29 vessels and two icebreakers that will head to the Chukchi Sea this summer in support of Shell's planned arctic drilling operations. The vessel will be used primarily for ice reconnaissance and management, but also carries the well capping stack, a key piece of containment equipment that is considered the last line of defense in the case of a major blowout while drilling.