Shell (SHEL.L) has initiated legal action against Greenpeace, seeking $2.1 million in damages. This comes after activists from the environmental group boarded one of the company's oil production vessels at sea earlier this year, as reported by Greenpeace and a document seen by Reuters. The British oil and gas major filed the claim in London's High Court. The incident occurred in January near the Canary Islands, off the Atlantic coast of northern Africa, where Greenpeace activists protested oil drilling and traveled with the vessel as far as Norway.

Shell confirmed through an email to Reuters that legal proceedings are underway in response to questions about suing Greenpeace over the incident. However, the company declined to comment on the specific claim amounts. A spokesperson from Shell stated that boarding a moving vessel at sea was deemed "unlawful and extremely dangerous."

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

The vessel, en route to the Penguins oil and gas field in the North Sea, which is yet to commence production, became the target of four Greenpeace activists. Using ropes, they boarded the vessel from high-speed inflatable boats. Sea protests against oil, gas, or mining infrastructure are a longstanding aspect of Greenpeace's operations.

As per a Reuters-obtained document, Shell is seeking damages covering expenses related to shipping delays, additional security costs, and legal fees. "The claim is one of the biggest legal threats against the Greenpeace network’s ability to campaign in the organization’s more than 50-year history," Greenpeace said in a statement.

Shell has reportedly proposed reducing its damage claim against Greenpeace to $1.4 million on the condition that the environmental group's activists refrain from future protests at any of Shell's oil and gas facilities at sea or in port. Greenpeace has countered, stating it would consider such an agreement only if Shell complies with a 2021 Dutch court order to reduce emissions by 45% by 2030—a decision Shell has appealed.

The document seen by Reuters indicates an unresolved claim for additional damages, approximately $6.5 million, by Shell's contractor Fluor (FLR.N). Fluor has not provided an immediate response to a request for comment.

Negotiations between Shell and Greenpeace have been ongoing since the case was initiated, with discussions concluding in early November. Greenpeace is currently awaiting further court documents from Shell before determining its next steps, including potential actions to prevent the case from advancing.

Image source: Reuters