THE HAGUE -- Shell's Polar Pioneer rig has started drilling operations in the Chukchi Sea, offshore Alaska.

Last Thursday, at approximately 17:00 local time, Shell began drilling operations at its “Burger J” prospect in the Chukchi Sea.

The team aboard the Polar Pioneer will work to complete the top portion of the well in anticipation of drilling to total depth once Shell's Arctic drilling support vessel, the M/V Fennica, arrives on site.