Royal Dutch Shell has renewed its intention to explore the potential of the Arctic.

The oil firm announced that it has submitted exploration plans for several wells off the coast of Alaska in 2012.

A Shell spokesman said: “Shell looks forward to pursing an exploration program in 2012 that could include drilling multiple wells in both the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas, site clearance surveys and baseline science studies.”

The plans for “a safe, environmentally responsible Arctic exploration program” will take place depending on the authorities’ permission, added the spokesperson: “Shell’s final 2012 exploration plans could change pending the Borough of Ocean and Energy Management’s ability to complete an expanded oil spill study in the Chukchi Sea.”

Shell’s Arctic ambitions have previously been delayed by opposition from some quarters, with campaigners worrying about the environmental cost of such projects.