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Activists climb Valaris rig in Scotland

January 6, 2020, by Offshore Energy Today

Environmental activists from Extinction Rebellion organization have occupied a Valaris-owned jack-up rig currently located in Dundee harbor. The rig is contracted by Shell. 

Source: Extinction Rebellion

In a series of tweets on Monday, the environmental organization said three activists boarded the Valaris JU-122, formerly known as Ensco 122, calling for a rebellion to kickstart 2020. The activists are planning an extended occupation over the next ten days.

The organization said in the press release on Monday: “This morning, Extinction Rebellion Scotland activists boarded a Shell gas rig currently parked in Dundee Harbour, which is destined for the North Sea. They have scaled the towers and intend to stay up there for as long as possible to stop the rig leaving the harbour, and to halt the rig’s extractive and destructive operations. They have assessed the risks and are properly prepared.”

The activists said they have three demands for the Scottish and UK Governments: tell the truth about the devastating impact of the fossil fuel industry and its responsibility for the climate and ecological crisis, act now to decommission fossil fuel infrastructure and implement a just transition led by workers and frontline communities, and trust ourselves by establishing a legally binding citizens assembly and putting decision making processes into the hands of the people.

The organization added that more actions would be taking place throughout the country over the next fortnight.

According to Valaris’ latest fleet status report, published in October 2019, the Valaris JU-122 rig is under contract with Shell starting from January 2020 until October 2020. The rig has been contracted for two wells offshore the UK. The contract also includes seven one-well priced options.

Offshore Energy Today Staff

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