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Shell is taking legal action to sue Greenpeace for $2.1 million after the environmental activist group staged a protest on the company’s oil production vessel in transit at sea. The British oil and gas giant has filed a claim against Greenpeace in London’s High Court, citing the activists’ actions as “unlawful and extremely dangerous.”
In response, Shell confirmed that legal proceedings are underway and emphasized that while the right to protest is fundamental, it must be carried out safely and lawfully. The vessel targeted by Greenpeace’s protest was headed to the Penguins oil and gas field in the North Sea, which is not yet in production.
The extent of damages sought by Shell includes expenses for shipping delays, additional security costs, as well as legal fees, given the safety and operational challenges caused by the activists’ interference. Moreover, Shell reportedly offered to reduce its damage claim to $1.4 million on the condition that Greenpeace activists refrain from protesting at any of Shell’s oil and gas infrastructure, but Greenpeace is pushing back.
Dutch court orders for Shell to reduce its emissions by 45% by 2030 are also at play, as Greenpeace has tied its compliance with these orders to the resolution of the lawsuit. Meanwhile, an additional claim for damages of approximately $6.5 million by one of Shell’s contractors, Fluor, remains unresolved.
Though Shell and Greenpeace have engaged in negotiations since the lawsuit was filed, the talks have since concluded, and Greenpeace is now awaiting further developments in court. As the legal battle unfolds, the fate of the activists and the broader implications of this case add to the tension between corporate interests and environmental advocacy. The ongoing conflict raises crucial questions about the precedents that this case may set and its potential impact on future environmental activism.
