Shell’s drill ship to dock in Everett before Seattle

SEATTLE — The Noble Discoverer, the drill ship that’s part of Royal Dutch Shell’s Arctic drilling fleet, will arrive in Everett next week. That’s according to the Port of Everett.

The Seattle Times reports (http://is.gd/yqNrGs ) that Shell confirmed on Thursday that the ship will load and unload supplies in Everett before it heads to Seattle.

The news comes after Seattle Mayor Ed Murray said the Port of Seattle needs a new permit to host Shell’s drilling fleet at Terminal 5.

Shell spokesman Curtis Smith said the company is closely watching “the actions of all interested parties” and is considering its options.

Smith says they still plan to go to Terminal 5.

Environmental activists oppose Shell’s use of Terminal 5 because of fears Arctic drilling could result in oil spills and additional fossil-fuel consumption contributing to climate change.

They plan to protest in kayaks on May 16.