Shell and Greenpeace reach agreement following North Sea protest

The environmental organization Greenpeace and Shell have concluded an out-of-court settlement stemming from two instances where activists boarded Shell’s North Sea facilities. As part of the agreement, the charity will pay £300,000 to the RNLI. This payment follows an incident last year when campaigners ascended a floating production vessel as it was being moved to the Penguins field, located northeast of Shetland. Additionally, the activists have committed to refraining from returning to four specific Shell platforms. Greenpeace has leveled accusations against Shell, alleging the use of “bullying tactics” against peaceful protest. Conversely, the oil company asserts that the action presented a significant danger to human life. In January 2023, Greenpeace activists boarded the Shell-contracted vessel, White Marlin, in the Atlantic, north of the Canary Islands, and remained on board for 13 days. These activists, who advocate against fossil fuels and oil drilling, utilized inflatable boats to approach the ship before using ropes to hoist themselves aboard. Subsequent to the settlement, Greenpeace stated its intention to persist with its campaign against Shell, encompassing operations in the North Sea. Areeba Hamid, co-executive director at Greenpeace UK, commented: “Shell thought suing us for millions over a peaceful protest would intimidate us, but this case became a PR millstone tied around its neck. “The public backlash against its bullying tactics made it back down and settle out of court.” She further stated: “This settlement shows that people power works. Thousands of ordinary people across the country backed our fight against Shell and their support means we stay independent and can keep holding Big Oil to account.”We’ve ensured not a penny of our supporters’ money will go to Shell and all funds raised will be used to continue campaigning against the fossil fuel industry and other big polluters.” A spokesperson for Shell remarked: “Shell is pleased that the dispute has been settled and that a payment in lieu of the costs it incurred can benefit a charity working on safety at sea.” The spokesperson continued: “For Shell, the right to protest is fundamental and has never been at issue. Instead, this case was about an illegal boarding by protesters which a High Court judge described as “putting their lives and, indirectly, the lives of the crew at risk”.”He was also clear that Greenpeace could still protest from a safe distance and their human rights were not infringed.” Initially, Shell had sought £1.7 million in damages from Greenpeace.