Further problems hampered the Arctic project after the commencement of drilling in 2012, as Shell dealt with a series of issues that involved air permits, Coast Guard certification of a marine vessel and severe damage to essential oil-spill equipment. Additionally, difficult weather conditions resulted in the delay of drilling during mid-2012 and the already dire situation was exacerbated by the "Kulluk" incident at the end of the year. Royal Dutch Shell had invested nearly US$5 billion by this stage of the project. COUNT 4
QSN1 What conditions caused the delay of drilling in mid-2012? ANS1 difficult weather QSN2 What worsened the situation at the end of 2012? ANS2 the "Kulluk" incident QSN3 What amount had Royal Dutch Shell invested in the project by the end of 2012? ANS3 nearly US$5 billion QSN4 In what year did drilling in the Arctic region begin? ANS4 2012