Demonstrators protest against Shell's Arctic activities

Shell's plans to drill in the Arctic have been met with protests from activists who say the company's activities will harm the environment.

The group, which was awarded conditional approval from the US Department of Interior to explore the region last week, has already transported two huge rigs to the port of Seattle, which it has permission to use as a base.

Hundreds of demonstrators took to their boats and kayaks to protest the plans peacefully next to one of the rigs.

According to the Seattle Times, the protesters will on Monday attempt to stop the operations in the port area through peaceful civil disobedience.

The company's expenditure in the Arctic so far totals around £3.85bn.