Greenpeace to defy Russians, enter Arctic seas without permit

The crew of a Greenpeace icebreaker says it will ignore Russian law and sail without a permit into that country’s northern waters to protest offshore energy development.

The Arctic Sunrise has applied three times for a permit to enter the Northern Sea Route without success.

Russian officials say they have questions about whether the vessel is tough enough for sea ice.

Greenpeace says it has filed documents showing the Arctic Sunrise has a higher ice classification than many vessels using the route, including six oil exploration ships.

Crew member Christy Ferguson of Toronto says those on board the ship are determined to protest energy exploration in Russian Arctic waters, which involves both Russian and multinational companies.

The Arctic Sunrise is expected to enter Russian waters late tonight.