Portland activists try to block Shell ship from heading to Arctic

Before sunrise Wednesday morning, Portland kayaktivists and rapellers took to the Willamette River to block the MSV Fennica, a Shell icebreaking vessel that’s been docked in Portland for repairs. The Fennica had planned to ship out today, bound for the Arctic; Shell can’t begin its Arctic drilling until the icebreaker arrives.

Over 50 activists gathered in the water in kayaks and a dozen more rappelled from the St. Johns bridge to block the vessel. Since Fennica hasn’t actually left the port, no word yet on how long the fleece-clad spiders plan on hanging from the bridge, but Greenpeace organizer Mary Nicol told the Portland Mercury they have enough food to last for several days.

The Mercury is covering the protest live, or you can follow along on Twitter.