Shell rigs head to Alaska prior to possible federal permit -  Royal Dutch Shell is bringing oil rigs Noble Discoverer and Polar Pioneer to Alaska as it anticipates possible federal approval to resume drilling activity in the Arctic waters, a spokeswoman said last week. "Any final decision to go forward with a 2015 season will depend on successful permitting, clearing any legal obstacles and our own assessment that we are prepared to explore safely and successfully," she added. Reuters (3/27) Barents Observer.   Lukoil might be about to get the Kremlin’s blessing for [...]