Shell Reaches Settlement with Greenpeace Over Oil Vessel Protest

British oil giant Shell has settled a lawsuit against the environmental group Greenpeace after a protest by activists. The protest occurred in January 2023, when Greenpeace members boarded a Shell oil production vessel near the Canary Islands.

The lawsuit was filed by Shell after the activists boarded the vessel, travelling from northern Africa to Norway, protesting against oil drilling.

Agreement with Greenpeace

Greenpeace agreed to pay £300,000 ($382,650) to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), a charity that provides rescue services. Greenpeace also committed to halting protests at four Shell sites in the northern North Sea.

The environmental group called these sites "mostly declining fields," while Shell called them "key oil and gas platforms." The payment and protest stoppage were part of the legal settlement between Shell and Greenpeace.

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Shell's Safety Concerns

Shell expressed that Greenpeace’s protest posed a "serious risk to safety and life." The oil giant emphasized the importance of ensuring safety on its vessels. Greenpeace, on the other hand, argued that Shell’s lawsuit had become a "PR millstone," damaging the company’s public image. The legal action followed a protest where Greenpeace activists used ropes to board the vessel from inflatable boats.

Details of the Protest

The vessel was headed to the Penguins oil and gas field in the North Sea, which is not yet operational. Greenpeace activists targeted the ship during its journey, which was intended to take it to the North Sea.

Shell had initially sought to claim up to $2.1 million in damages, including costs related to delays and security expenses. However, the lawsuit ultimately sought slightly less than $1 million.

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Ongoing Legal Challenges

Greenpeace has been involved in various legal actions related to Shell and other environmental issues. The group is also challenging the UK's approval of Shell’s Jackdaw gas field in a Scottish court. Protests targeting oil, gas, and mining infrastructure have been a central part of Greenpeace’s operations for many years.