Ayrshire activist shares images from occupied oil rig in the North Sea
Imogen Michel from Girvan boarded the White Marlin eleven days ago
Last updated 10th Feb 2023
An Ayrshire woman is sharing images from day eleven of the occupation of a Shell oil platform in the North Sea.
Imogen Michel, from Girvan, boarded the platform with other Greenpeace activists while it was being carried on a giant transporter ship.
Imogen told Northsound 1News: “We’ve still got good internet connection, we’ve got solar panels for power, we’ve got water purifiers and we’ve got lots of dehydrated food.
“We’re able to keep getting our message out there that Shell need to stop drilling for oil and need to start paying up to those countries most affected by climate change."
On the high seas
Imogen added: “We live near Girvan, I’ve never spent this much time at sea before.
“It’s a humbling experience to look out in all directions and not see land. It makes you realise the size and the beauty of our planet and the need of us all to protect it.
“I’d like to thank my friends and family back in Ayrshire, I really miss you all and I’m excited to be back. Please keep on spreading our message that Shell must stop drilling.”
Shell safety concerns
The Platform is being transported to a North Sea oil field on the White Marlin, a ship contracted by Shell.
A Shell spokesperson said: “These actions are causing real safety concerns, with a number of people boarding a moving vessel in rough conditions.
“We respect the right of everyone to express their point of view. It’s essential they do that with their safety and that of others in mind.
“Projects like this are vital to that supply and help reduce the UK’s reliance on higher carbon and costlier energy imports.
“This is not a new field, but one which has already been producing oil and gas for 20 years.”
“Furthermore, we plan to invest up to £25 billion in the UK energy system over the next decade, providing individual projects remain economically viable under the revised tax regime, and subject to Board approval.
"More than 75% of this is intended for low and zero-carbon technology, including offshore wind, hydrogen and electric mobility.”