Meanwhile, Shell’s attorneys appeared in federal court this afternoon to argue for a restraining order against Greenpeace.
The environmental group sent a half-dozen activists to camp on one of Shell’s Arctic rigs as it’s towed across the Pacific Ocean. If Shell gets its way, the group would have to surrender to the master of the Blue Marlin effective immediately.
Shell is also seeking a preliminary injunction, which would keep Greenpeace away from the rest of its Arctic fleet. The oil company got a similar buffer zone during its last drilling season in 2012.
Judge Sharon Gleason did not issue a ruling on either of Shell’s requests this afternoon. A decision is expected in the coming days.