Shell is about to file for approval new Alaska Arctic outer continental shelf exploration plans that envisage the drilling of up to 10 wells over a two-year period, starting in 2012. The plans will entail the drilling of up to two wells per year in the Beaufort Sea and up to three wells per year in the Chukchi Sea, using the drillship Noble Discoverer and the Kulluk floating drilling platform, Shell spokesman Curtis Smith told Petroleum News today.
The company expects to file its Beaufort Sea plan on May 4, with the Chukchi Sea plan to follow shortly thereafter, Smith said.

See more in May 8 issue, available online at 11 a.m. Friday, May 6, at www.PetroleumNews.com