The Iraqi cabinet approved a preliminary agreement that will create a joint venture between the state-run South Oil Company and Royal Dutch Shell to develop natural-gas resources in the Basra region.

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And the Bush administration's decision on January 9th to lift a moratorium on oil drilling in nearby Bristol Bay, where Shell hopes to develop natural gas resources, could further increase Aleutian traffic.

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Then he took over Powerball International, a dormant shell once in the hydrogen business, renamed it Apollo Resources and wound up back in court.

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Lisa Murkowski, the ranking member of the Senate's energy and natural resources committee, said that she continues to support Shell's plans and that the suspension was evidence of the company's commitment to safety.

CNN: Shell halts Arctic drill plans for 2013

"Shell will apply its advanced technology, operational expertise and global experience in the project to jointly develop the shale gas resources with CNPC, " the Anglo-Dutch firm said in a release on its website on 20 March, without giving any further details.

BBC: Shell signs first shale gas production pact in China