James Mason: July 1st, 2011 1:19 pm
Shell’s primary drilling unit “Kulluk” began its long journey from Dutch Harbor to Seattle on Thursday. With six tugs in attendance the huge drill rig headed out of Captain’s Bay where it spent the winter. Once the two-week, 3-knot trip is completed the Kulluk will undergo what Shell spokesman Curtis Smith described as “planned technical upgrades.” The rig goes to Seattle because a larger shipyard than Dutch Harbor can provide is necessary for the work, and Dutch Harbor can’t provide housing and other services for the 400-plus workers needed.