Shell Sues Greenpeace for $2.1 Million Following Protest on Oil Rig, Greenpeace Claims Intimidation

Shell's legal action, one of the largest ever against an environmental group, comes in response to a 13-day occupation of their oil rig in protest of their increased fossil fuel production; Greenpeace may agree to halt future protests if Shell abides by court orders to significantly reduce emissions by 2030.

Shell is suing Greenpeace for $2.1 million over a 13-day protest held by the environmental group on one of Shell's oil rigs in the North Sea. This amount includes costs related to shipping delays, additional security measures, and legal fees.
This lawsuit represents one of the largest ever legal actions against an environmental group. The occupation was targeted at a vessel destined for Shell’s Penguins oil field near the Shetland Islands.
Shell claims the protesters' boarding of the vessel was not only unlawful, but highly dangerous. The company upholds the right to protest but insists it be done safely and lawfully.
In negotiations, Shell offered to settle the dispute if Greenpeace agreed not to protest at any of Shell's infrastructures again, and in return, the settlement amount would be reduced to $1.4 million.
Greenpeace said it would only agree to such an undertaking if Shell complied with a court order to reduce its emissions by 45% by 2030 across all activities. Following the collapse of negotiations, both parties now anticipate a High Court battle.