Shell is partnering with Olgoonik Corp., the Native village corporation for the Chukchi Sea coast village of Wainwright, and Ukpeaegvik Inupiat Corp., the Native village corporation for Barrow, to operate logistics bases in Wainwright and Barrow this summer, Shell spokesman Curtis Smith said.

According to Petroleum News, Wainwright will act as a shallow-water logistics hub, serving Shell vessels involved in the company's offshore activities, while Barrow will be an aviation base, acting as a primary flight-crew change hub and as a base for Shell's search-and-rescue aircraft. Shell plans to drill two wells in the Beaufort Sea and up to three wells in the Chukchi Sea this year.

In addition, UIC subsidiary Umiaq will provide onshore contingency services, under a $15 million, five-year contract, while Shell is also continuing its 10-year contract with ASRC Energy Services -- Response Operations for offshore oil spill response. Umiaq will work in partnership with Alaska Clean Seas, the North Slope oil spill cooperative.