Representatives from Noble Drilling U.S. LLC, which operated a drill ship in the Arctic, pleaded guilty to eight felony counts in Anchorage federal court Friday morning.
As part of a plea agreement with the federal government, the company admitted breaking both environmental and maritime laws when it worked as a contractor for Shell while drilling for oil in the Chukchi Sea in 2012.
Judge Ralph Beistline accepted the guilty pleas, and imposed the terms of the agreement in his sentencing. The company must pay $8.2 million in fines. In addition, they will pay $4 million in community service payments. Much of that money will go toward research projects in the Arctic.
The company was also ordered to implement an environmental compliance plan. Representatives from Noble told the judge they had already begun a voluntary compliance plan, and agreed to pay for an independent auditor to make sure they continue to be in compliance.
Beistline said he was satisfied that the company had worked quickly to correct their problems. He reminded them that they will be on probation for the next four years. The judge said any violations could violate the terms of the plea agreement. In that case, the company could be re-sentenced with maximum penalties imposed.