Oil Giant Versus Activists - Shell Sues Greenpeace Over Protest: Report

Shell PLC SHEL has reportedly initiated a legal action against the non-profit organization Greenpeace, seeking $2.1 million in damages.

This move comes after Greenpeace activists boarded a Shell oil production vessel in January while it was near the Canary Islands, situated off the Atlantic coast of northern Africa, as a protest against oil drilling. 

The British oil and gas titan filed the lawsuit in London's High Court, reported Reuters.

Also Read: Energy Giant Shell Misses Q3 Revenue Estimates; Announces $2.5B Buyback Program

"The right to protest is fundamental and we respect it absolutely. But it must be done safely and lawfully," said a company spokesperson, as per the report.

The Greenpeace activists, employing high-speed inflatable boats and ropes, managed to hoist themselves onto the Shell vessel. This kind of sea protest against oil, gas, or mining infrastructure is a hallmark of Greenpeace's environmental campaigns.

"The claim is one of the biggest legal threats against the Greenpeace network's ability to campaign in the organisation's more than 50-year history," said Greenpeace, according to the report.

The organization said that Shell offered to reduce the damages to $1.4 million if Greenpeace agrees to refrain from further protests at Shell's offshore oil and gas sites.

Greenpeace countered with a demand for Shell to adhere to a 2021 Dutch court order requiring a 45% cut in emissions by 2030, an order currently under Shell's appeal.

The damages Shell is seeking include costs linked to shipping delays, expenses for extra security, and legal costs, reported Reuters.

Price Action: SHEL shares are trading higher by 1.28% at $65.25 on the last check Thursday.

Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.