In a statement on the company’s agenda by its new CEO, Ben van Beurden, the company said the recent decision by the 9th Circuit Court “against the Department of the Interior raises substantial obstacles to Shell’s plans for drilling in offshore Alaska.”

Shell said that as a result of that decision it has decided to stop its Alaska exploration program in 2014.

“This is a disappointing outcome, but the lack of a clear path forward means that I am not prepared to commit further resources for drilling in Alaska in 2014,” van Beurden said. “We will look to relevant agencies and the Court to resolve their open legal issues as quickly as possible.”

—Kristen Nelson

See story in Feb. 2 issue, available online at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 31, at www.PetroleumNews.com