Dangling Activists Keeping Shell Icebreaker in Portland

Greenpeace US activists have suspended themselves from St. Johns Bridge in Portland, Oregon to block the Shell ‘s icebreaking vessel MSV Fennica from leaving the port of Portland for Alaskan waters.

Greenpeace says that the climbers have enough supplies to last several days, and are prepared to stay in Shell’s way as long as possible.

Shell’s Arctic icebreaker Fennica was drydocked in Portland earlier this month after it breached its hull.

The vessel was supposed to head for the Arctic on July 3rd, loaded with a capping stack that would be used to seal a well in case of a blowout.

However, a leak was detected in Fennica’s ballast tank shortly after the vessel departed from the Dutch Harbor, Alaska forcing the crew to go back.

Image: Greenpeace US