Posts Tagged ‘Litigation’

Shell is said to evaluate sale of holdings in largest U.S. oil field valued at as much as $10B

Jun 14th, 2021

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Seeking Alpha

Shell is said to evaluate sale of holdings in largest U.S. oil field valued at as much as $10B

Jun. 13, 2021 7:19 PM ET Royal Dutch Shell plc (RDS.A), RDS.BBy: Josh Fineman, SA News Editor

Royal Dutch Shell (NYSE:RDS.A) (NYSE:RDS.B) is said to be considering selling its holdings in the largest U.S. oil field, holdings that may be worth as much as $10B.

The oil major is said to be evaluating selling all of part of its about 260,000 acres (105,200 hectares) in the Permian Basin, located mostly in Texas, according to media reports earlier.

CNBC reported that a sale is not imminent, though talks with a buyer or multiple acquirers are ongoing.

Last week, Shell to speed up emissions cuts following Dutch court ruling, CEO says.

Also see, Watch out for the next ‘oil crisis’: Sector Watch.

royaldutchshellplc.com and its sister websites royaldutchshellgroup.com, shellenergy.website, shellnazihistory.com, royaldutchshell.website, johndonovan.website, shellnews.net and shell2004.com are all owned by John Donovan. There is also a Wikipedia article.

OPL 245: Groups Urge Nigeria’s Public Prosecutor To Appeal Judgement Favouring Shell, APC

Jun 11th, 2021

by John Donovan.

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BY SAHARAREPORTERS, NEW YORK JUN 10, 2021

Human Rights Groups, Global Witness, Human and Environmental Development Agenda, have urged the Nigerian public prosecutor to appeal the judgement of the Milan Tribunal which acquitted Eni, Shell and others for international corruption related to the acquisition of the OPL 245 oil field in Nigeria. read more

Shell climate case verdict: ‘A stark warning to any corporate polluter’

Jun 8th, 2021

by John Donovan.

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euronews.green

Shell climate case verdict: ‘A stark warning to any corporate polluter’

By Johnny White • Updated: 08/06/2021

Last week a Dutch court ruled that one of the world’s biggest oil companies, Royal Dutch Shell, must reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by almost half in the next nine years.

It’s no exaggeration to say this landmark verdict, which linked the need for the fossil fuel company to decarbonise to climate science and human rights, is a watershed moment for corporate climate accountability.

The case, brought by Friends of the Earth Netherlands and over 17,000 Dutch citizens, established that Shell was in breach of its duty of care under the Dutch Civil Code, informed by its human rights responsibilities, by contributing dangerously to climate change. read more

Big Oil’s Very Bad Wednesday

May 31st, 2021

by John Donovan.

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Seeking Alpha

Big Oil’s Very Bad Wednesday

May 30, 2021 11:55 PM ETBNO, CVX, DBE… MV Financial

Summary

Those paying attention to the market chatter this week may have heard the phrase “Black Wednesday” pass the lips of pundits who study the fossil fuels industry, though the events didn’t result in any kind of immediate panic-selling by investors of energy shares.

At the annual shareholder meeting of Exxon Mobil, the company ceded at least two seats on its board of directors to a climate activist group called Engine No. 1.

At Chevron’s general meeting, shareholders voted on a measure to set strict emissions targets from the products it sells.

A Dutch court in The Hague, Netherlands, ruled that Royal Dutch Shell must reduce its carbon emissions by 45 percent by 2030 against its 2019 levels – on an absolute basis, which is stricter than the carbon intensity targets that the company prefers to use as its benchmarks. Black Tuesday 1929 turned out to be a big deal.

Oil Giants Get 20-Year License Extension from Nigeria

May 28th, 2021

by John Donovan.

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allAfrica.com

Oil Giants Get 20-Year License Extension from Nigeria

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation has signed a contract with its partners on oil mining lease (OML) 118 to expand the Bonga oilfield and unlock a U.S.$10 billion investment in the country’s deepwater resources. The OML license for the block partners Shell, Total, Exxon Mobil and Eni were renewed for another 20 years, and five agreements including settlements on a tax dispute and production sharing contracts were finalized. The deal signals the end of “long-standing disputes over the interpretation of the fiscal terms of the production-sharing contracts” between the investors in the field. read more

OPL 245 Saga: Anti-corruption groups applaud President’s stance

May 28th, 2021

by John Donovan.

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THE SUN

OPL 245 Saga: Anti-corruption groups applaud President’s stance

27 MAY 2021

By Henry Uche

Human & Environmental Development Agenda, HEDA, Re: Common, Corner House and Global Witness have applauded President Buhari’s insistence that the oil field could not be developed until corruption cases had concluded.

HEDA’s Chairman, Olarenwaju Suraj in a statement revealed that the license for Nigeria’s offshore OPL 245 oil block has expired, as Eni confirmed in response to questions at their 2021 annual general meeting. The expiry of the license returns control of the oil field to the Nigerian Government. read more

Court orders Shell to slash CO2 emissions in landmark climate ruling

May 27th, 2021

by John Donovan.

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CNN

Court orders Shell to slash CO2 emissions in landmark climate ruling

“This is a turning point in history,” said Roger Cox, lawyer for Friends of the Earth Netherlands.

By Hanna Ziady, CNN Business

Updated 2000 GMT (0400 HKT) May 26, 2021

London (CNN Business)A Dutch court has ruled that Royal Dutch Shell must dramatically reduce its carbon emissions in a landmark climate decision that could have far reaching consequences for oil companies.

The company must slash its CO2 emissions by 45% by 2030 from 2019 levels, according to a judgment from a district court in The Hague on Wednesday. That includes emissions from its own operations and from the energy products it sells.

This is the first time that a court has ruled a company needs to reduce its emissions in line with global climate goals, according to Friends of the Earth Netherlands, an environmental campaigning group that brought the case against Shell (RDSA).

The verdict could pave the way for similar cases to be brought in other countries, forcing oil companies to reduce fossil fuel production. It comes just a week after the influential International Energy Agency told oil companies they need to stop drilling for oil and gas right now to prevent a climate catastrophe.

The Anglo-Dutch company announced plans in September to become a net zero emissions company by 2050, a target that includes emissions from its products. It is currently targeting a 20% reduction in carbon intensity by 2030, and 45% by 2035.

“This is a turning point in history,” said Roger Cox, lawyer for Friends of the Earth Netherlands.

“This case is unique because it is the first time a judge has ordered a large polluting corporation to comply with the Paris Climate Agreement. This ruling may also have major consequences for other big polluters,” added Cox.

The impact of the decision will be amplified because the court relied on global human rights standards and international instruments on climate change in arriving at its decision, according to legal experts.

“I can imagine this will inspire a series of other cases against companies, especially those active in the oil extraction industries like Shell,” said Eric De Brabandere, a professor of international dispute settlement at Leiden University in the Netherlands. “It is a groundbreaking decision, it’s really a landmark.”

Mounting pressure

While Shell claims that its carbon intensity targets are aligned with the Paris Agreement — which aims to limit global temperature increases to 1.5 degrees Celsius — Friends of the Earth Netherlands argues that the company’s ongoing investments into oil and gas extraction show that it doesn’t take climate change seriously.

The court found that Shell’s carbon emissions pose a “very serious threat” to Dutch residents, and that the company has an “individual responsibility” to reduce emissions. The court said the company would have “total freedom” to comply with its order and to shape corporate policy.

Shell indicated it would appeal the ruling, which is immediately enforceable, according to De Brabandere.

“We are investing billions of dollars in low-carbon energy, including electric vehicle charging, hydrogen, renewables and biofuels. We want to grow demand for these products and scale up our new energy businesses even more quickly. We will continue to focus on these efforts and fully expect to appeal today’s disappointing court decision,” a Shell spokesperson said in a statement.

Oil companies are facing mounting pressure from shareholders and activists to ditch fossil fuels and invest into cleaner energy sources. The ruling handed down on Wednesday “may sound revolutionary, but, in fact, it is in line with what long term investors are increasingly asking companies to do anyway,” said Cees van Dam, a professor of international business and human rights at the Rotterdam School of Management.

At its annual meeting on Wednesday, ExxonMobil (XOM) will face a challenge from activist investor Engine No. 1, which is seeking to replace

almost a third read more

Court orders Royal Dutch Shell to cut carbon emissions by 45% by 2030

May 26th, 2021

by John Donovan.

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The Guardian

Court orders Royal Dutch Shell to cut carbon emissions by 45% by 2030

Daniel Boffey: Wed 26 May 2021 15.25 BST

A court in the Hague has ordered Royal Dutch Shell to cut its global carbon emissions by 45% by the end of 2030 compared to 2019 levels, in a landmark case brought by Friends of the Earth and over 17,000 co-plaintiffs.

The oil giant’s sustainability policy was found to be insufficiently “concrete” by the Dutch court in an unprecedented ruling that will have wide implications for the industry. read more

Shell faces Dutch court ruling on global emissions

May 24th, 2021

by John Donovan.

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EnergyVoice.com

Shell faces Dutch court ruling on global emissions

By Ed Reed: 24 May 2021

A court in The Hague will rule on May 26 on a climate case against Shell, led by Friends of the Earth Netherlands (Milieudefensie).

The environmentalist case demands that Shell cut CO2 emissions by 45% by 2030. Success for the NGO would see the corporation ordered to “reduce its emissions in line with global climate goals”.

The outcome, it said, should “impact climate policy and corporate accountability globally”. It does not seek compensation, rather a change to Shell’s business plan. read more

U.S. Supreme Court backs energy companies over Baltimore in climate case

May 17th, 2021

by John Donovan.

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U.S. Supreme Court backs energy companies over Baltimore in climate case

By Lawrence Hurley: 3 MIN READ: MAY 17, 20213:41 PM

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday ruled in favor of BP PLC, Chevron Corp, Exxon Mobil Corp, Royal Dutch Shell PLC and other energy companies contesting a lawsuit filed by the city of Baltimore seeking monetary damages from them due to costs caused by global climate change.

The 7-1 ruling, authored by conservative Justice Neil Gorsuch, came on a technical legal issue that could help the companies in their effort to have the case heard in federal court, as they would prefer, instead of state court, which the city favors as it is seen as a more amenable venue. read more

JPMorgan ordered to disclose US documents in Nigeria oil case

May 12th, 2021

by John Donovan.

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JPMorgan ordered to disclose US documents in Nigeria oil case

Ruling comes ahead of trial in which bank is accused of enabling $875m in misappropriated payments

Anjli Raval, Senior Energy Correspondent

Nigeria has succeeded in an effort to force JPMorgan Chase to disclose more documents ahead of a trial in which the US bank stands accused of enabling the misappropriation of almost $900m in state funds. The UK High Court on Tuesday granted the African nation’s application to secure records from top US executives and compliance officers involved in signing off $875m in payments between 2011 and 2013 relating to the controversial OPL 245 oil licence deal. read more

NAM director calls for rethink on Groningen earthquake damage

May 7th, 2021

by John Donovan.

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NAM director calls for rethink on Groningen earthquake damage

Just 50 not 26,000 homes in the Groningen earthquake area need strengthening to comply with the latest safety standards, according to Johan Atema, director of gas company NAM in the NRC.

So far 2,000 homes have been strengthened because they are vulnerable to the quakes, caused by the ground settling after natural gas has been extracted. And only half the 26,000 homes identified as being problematic have actually been inspected. read more

OPL 245: Withdraw Your Defamatory Fraud Allegations Or Face Legal Action, UK Anti-Corruption Group Tells Adoke

Apr 25th, 2021

by John Donovan.

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OPL 245 Scandal: Withdraw Your Defamatory Fraud Allegations Or Face Legal Action, UK Anti-Corruption Group Tells Adoke

It vowed to initiate legal action against the former minister if no retraction is made within the next 10 days

BY SAHARA REPORTERS, NEW YORK APR 25, 2021

One of the leading anti-corruption groups in the UK, The Corner House has threatened legal action in response to a widely publicised complaint sent on behalf of former Nigeria’s Attorney General, Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN) to the Police Inspector-General that the Mutual Legal Assistance, (MLA) made by UK to Italy which aided his recent judgment in Milan, was forged. read more

New York City sues Exxon, BP, Shell in state court over climate change

Apr 22nd, 2021

by John Donovan.

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New York City sues Exxon, BP, Shell in state court over climate change

By Reuters Staff: April 22, 2021

(Reuters) – New York City is suing three major oil companies and the top industry trade group in state court after a federal appeals court this month rejected its effort to hold the companies liable to help pay the costs of harm caused by global warming.

The lawsuit filed on Thursday said Exxon Mobil Corp, BP Plc, Royal Dutch Shell and industry group the American Petroleum Institute “have systematically and intentionally misled consumers” about “the central role their products play in causing the climate crisis.” read more

OPL 245: Abacha family and Malabu trial scandal

Apr 14th, 2021

by John Donovan.

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OPL 245: Abacha family and Malabu trial scandal

14 April 2021

Ten years after an international inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the sale of OPL 245 oil field by Malabu Oil and Gas Limited to Shell and its partners, ENI and Agip, for a princely sum of $1.3 billion following the resolution agreement of 2011 was opened, findings so far have revealed no evidence of corrupt practices on the part of those involved in the deal.

And, like a pack of badly arranged cards on a shaky table, the case of criminal prosecution against Mohammed Bello Adoke, Nigeria’s former attorney-general and minister of justice and the man whose legal advice formed part of the processes leading to the resolution agreement of 2011, and international oil giants, Shell, ENI and Agip, over their respective roles in the sale of OPL 245 appears to be collapsing from one international jurisdiction to the other. From Washington to London and Milan, the efforts of the Federal Government and its partners to proceed with the criminal prosecution of Bello Adoke and others have been fruitless and unsuccessful. read more

NAM disputes Groningen gas extraction earthquake damage claims

Apr 2nd, 2021

by John Donovan.

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NAM disputes Groningen gas extraction earthquake damage claims

THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2021 – 10:00

NAM, the Dutch gas concern responsible for gas extraction in Groningen, raised doubts about the level of damage claims and the home strengthening operation in the fracking earthquake zone in the province. In a statement, NAM said that a major part of the damages was wrongly attributed to earthquakes, and that the standards of the reinforcement project are far too strict, NOS reports.

According to NAM, the risks in the earthquake zone are grossly overestimated, and as a result, many homes will be reinforced with measures that far outweigh the risks, “for some buildings even by a factor of a thousand to ten thousand”. “This leads to unnecessary feelings of insecurity among residents and additional costs.” read more

Oil Giants Win Climate Suit as Judges Push For Political Fix

Apr 1st, 2021

by John Donovan.

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Oil Giants Win Climate Suit as Judges Push For Political Fix

Chevron Corp., Royal Dutch Shell Plc and ConocoPhillips were also sued in the case.

Bloomberg News: Chris Dolmetsch and Erik Larson: Publishing date: Apr 01, 2021(Bloomberg) — New York City failed to persuade a federal appeals court to reinstate a climate-change lawsuit against Exxon Mobil Corp., BP Plc and three other oil companies, with the judges saying the problem demands political rather than legal solutions.

The Friday ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals in New York is a setback for those trying to use the courts to hold the industry responsible for costs associated with rising seas and other consequences of a warming planet.

Chevron Corp., Royal Dutch Shell Plc and ConocoPhillips were also sued in the case.

The court said global warming “is a uniquely international concern” that requires the federal government to step in rather than judges. Only the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has the authority to regulate domestic greenhouse gas emissions, the unanimous three-judge panel held. read more

OPL 245: Dan Etete says he has no case to answer in Nigeria after Italian court verdict

Mar 23rd, 2021

by John Donovan.

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OPL 245: Dan Etete says he has no case to answer in Nigeria after Italian court verdict

22 March 2021

Dan Etete, former minister of petroleum, says Nigerian courts must now strike out charges against him after an Italian court ruled that there was no corruption involved in the OPL 245 transaction.

He also said Malabu Oil and Gas lost over $10 billion to the corruption allegations tied to the oil block.

The OPL 245 deal involved the $1.3 billion purchase of an oil bloc by Royal Dutch Shell and Eni from Malabu, a company in which Etete held majority shares. read more

Nigeria Bribery Case Ends In Victory For Shell, Eni

Mar 18th, 2021

by John Donovan.

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Nigeria Bribery Case Ends In Victory For Shell, Eni

By Julianne Geiger – Mar 17, 2021, 2:30 PM CDT

An Italian court has ruled that oil giants Royal Dutch Shell PLC and Eni SPA are not guilty in a bribery case involving a Nigerian oilfield that has spanned years, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Shell, Eni, and Eni’s CEO Claudio Descalzi, have been on trial for years in the infamous OPL 245 case. Shell, Eni, Descalzi, and others, were accused of knowing that more than $1.1 billion of the $1.3 billion deposited a decade ago into an escrow account controlled by the Nigerian government would eventually be used as bribes to secure oil drilling rights. read more

Timeline: Nigeria’s OPL 245 oilfield licence bribery cases

Mar 18th, 2021

by John Donovan.

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Timeline: Nigeria’s OPL 245 oilfield licence bribery cases

By Reuters Staff: 6 MIN READ: MARCH 17, 20214:30 PM

LONDON (Reuters) – An Italian court acquitted Royal Dutch Shell and Italy’s Eni on Wednesday of corruption in one of the oil industry’s biggest court cases centred around the acquisition of a Nigerian oilfield in 2011.

Italian prosecutors alleged that most of the $1.3 billion purchase price for the licence for the offshore oilfield known as OPL 245 was siphoned off to politicians and middlemen. read more

U.K. High Court Says Nigerians Can Sue Shell in Britain Over Oil Spills

Feb 13th, 2021

by John Donovan.

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U.K. High Court Says Nigerians Can Sue Shell in Britain Over Oil Spills

The Dutch energy company has a presence in Britain, and a judge ruled there was “a real issue to be tried.”

By Stanley Reed: Feb. 12, 2021

LONDON — Britain’s Supreme Court said Friday that a group of about 50,000 Nigerian farmers and fishermen could bring a case in London’s High Court against Royal Dutch Shell over years of oil spills in the Niger Delta that have polluted their land, wells and waterways.

The judges said there was the potential that a parent company like Shell, which has its headquarters in the Netherlands but a large British presence, has responsibility for the activities of subsidiaries like the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria, which operates in the delta region. read more

Nigerians Can Sue Shell in U.K. Over Spills, Top Court Says

Feb 13th, 2021

by John Donovan.

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Nigerians Can Sue Shell in U.K. Over Spills, Top Court Says

Bloomberg News: William Clowes: Publishing date: Feb 12, 2021

(Bloomberg) — Thousands of Nigerians can sue Royal Dutch Shell Plc in London over environmental damage in the West African nation, the U.K.’s top court said.

The Supreme Court on Friday reversed two earlier rulings that blocked the case from being heard in England. The decision could pave the way for similar claims from the developing world against British companies.

The ruling is the second legal setback for Shell, headquartered in The Hague, in recent weeks after a Dutch court ordered the company’s Nigerian subsidiary to pay compensation for spills that occurred more than 13 years ago. The prospect of more lawsuits in Europe comes at a bad time for the company as it outlines its plans to transition to cleaner energy.The residents of fishing and farming communities in the crude-rich Niger Delta region say oil spills from pipelines operated by Shell’s local unit have destroyed their land and livelihoods. More than five years after filing their lawsuit, the roughly 42,000 individuals represented will be allowed a trial where they can try to persuade a U.K. court to order the energy giant to pay compensation and clean up the pollution.

Force Rethink?

The decision may force other U.K. multinationals to rethink how they operate abroad, says lawyer Rick Munro. read more

EPA fines Shell Oil $191,000 over release of toxic vapors from Anacortes refinery

Feb 10th, 2021

by John Donovan.

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EPA fines Shell Oil $191,000 over release of toxic vapors from Anacortes refinery

by KOMO News Staff: Wednesday, February 10th 2021

SEATTLE – The company that operates the Anacortes oil refinery will pay a $191,000 fine for violations of the Clean Air Act stemming from a 2015 release of toxic vapors that sickened dozens of local residents of the area.

The fine, part of a settlement with the Environmental Protection Agency, is in addition to previous fines of over $420,000 levied by the Northwest Clean Air Agency and the Washington Safety and Health Agency against Shell Oil Products U.S. over the incident. read more

Court orders Shell to pay Nigeria farmers for oil pollution

Jan 29th, 2021

by John Donovan.

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Court orders Shell to pay Nigeria farmers for oil pollution

The appellate court in the Netherlands ruled Friday that Shell’s claims of sabotage along the Nigerian pipeline are not supported by evidence. By Clyde Hughes: WORLD NEWS: JAN. 29, 2021 / 8:03 AM Jan. 29 (UPI) — A Dutch court ruled on Friday that oil company Royal Dutch Shell must compensate farmers in Nigeria for oil spills that occurred years ago.

The Court of Appeals ruled that Shell’s Nigerian branch must pay for spills in the Niger River Delta between 2004 and 2007, which spurred a civil case from four farmers that lasted for years.

The farmers sought compensation and cleanup over pollution that resulted from leaky oil pipelines.

The appellate court said Friday that Shell is liable for damages and also must install new equipment to prevent future problems.

“Oil supply in the leaky pipe could have been shut down earlier if a leak detection system had been present,” the Court of Appeals wrote.

The amount Shell must pay to the farmers will be determined at a later hearing. read more

Barrett hears climate case against her father’s ex-employer Shell

Jan 21st, 2021

by John Donovan.

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Barrett hears climate case against her father’s ex-employer Shell

BY RACHEL FRAZIN AND JOHN KRUZEL – 01/19/21 03:50 PM EST Amy Coney Barrett was among the justices who presided over a dispute Tuesday that pitted the city of Baltimore against some of the fossil fuel industry’s biggest players, despite her father’s longstanding ties to Shell Oil Company, one of the defendants in the case.

Barrett participated in the case even though as a lower court judge she recused herself from hearing cases involving Shell, her father’s former employer, in an apparent effort to avoid a possible conflict of interest.

Although the case heard Tuesday turned on the narrow question of whether the dispute properly belongs in state or federal court, how that issue is resolved could have an enormous bearing on potential corporate liability for environmental degradation. read more

Shell Nigeria oil site seized over unpaid damages

Dec 25th, 2020

by John Donovan.

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Shell Nigeria oil site seized over unpaid damages

Dec. 24, 2020 10:57 AM ET Royal Dutch Shell plc (RDS.A)By: Carl Surran, SA News Editor

An oil site operated by Royal Dutch Shell’s (RDS.A, RDS.B) Nigerian unit has been seized by a state government in a dispute over an oil spill that occurred decades ago.

The government of Rivers state in the Niger Delta sealed off the Kidney Island base located in the Port Harcourt oil hub, saying the facility and Shell’s 30% stake in nearby Oil Mining Lease 11 were “lawfully purchased through public auction ordered by the court.”

Shell says the state government’s statement is “premature and prejudicial,” as the transfer of the oil license requires the approval of Nigeria’s federal minister of petroleum resources, which has not been granted.

Shell has been involved in a long-running legal battle with a local community in Rivers state which has successfully sued the company for millions of dollars in damages for allegedly polluting its land during a civil war in the late 1960s.

Nigeria’s federal government also has been involved in a dispute with Shell over damages related to alleged corruption linked to the company’s 2011 purchase of the OPL 245 offshore oilfield.

Shell climate lawsuit: Dutch activists push courts for steeper emissions cuts

Dec 18th, 2020

by John Donovan.

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Shell climate lawsuit: Dutch activists push courts for steeper emissions cuts

Companies that make money selling coal, oil and gas could be held more accountable if judges in the Hague order fossil fuel giant Shell to cut its emissions.

Backed by 17,000 Dutch citizens, climate activists are wrestling fossil fuel giant Royal Dutch Shell in court over its responsibility to cut emissions to levels that comply with global treaties.

On the last of four days of hearings in the District Court of the Hague, seven environmental groups led by Friends of the Earth Netherlands pressed the court to force the oil major to commit to the Paris Agreement target of keeping warming to 1.5C. This would mean cutting net carbon emissions by 45% from today’s levels in a decade, the campaigners say, at a time where Shell is still investing heavily in fossil fuels. read more

TIMELINE-Nord Stream 2: Russia to Germany gas pipeline’s difficult birth

Dec 12th, 2020

by John Donovan.

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TIMELINE-Nord Stream 2: Russia to Germany gas pipeline’s difficult birth

Maarten Wetselaar, Klaus Schaefer, Mario Mehren, Alexey Miller, Gerhard Schroeder, Isabelle Kocher, Gerard Mestrallet, Rainer Seele, and Matthias Warnig after signing of financing agreements for Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project on April 24, 2017

Reuters Staff: DECEMBER 11, 2020

Dec 11 (Reuters) – Russia has resumed construction of the politically-charged Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline to Germany, laying pipes after a one-year hiatus prompted by U.S. sanctions, the pipeline operator said on Friday. read more

Malabu: Eni gets green light to subpoena companies over Nigerian litigation arrangement

Dec 9th, 2020

by John Donovan.

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Malabu: Eni gets green light to subpoena companies over Nigerian litigation arrangement

The Malabu scandal involves the transfer of about $1.1 billion by oil multinationals, Shell and ENI, through the Nigerian government to accounts controlled by a former Nigerian oil minister, Dan Etete.

By Oladeinde Olawoyin: December 8, 2020

Italian oil giant, Eni S.P.A, has been granted approval to subpoena asset recovery and litigation finance companies that it accused of being involved in a shady deal to fund litigation relating to Nigeria’s OPL 245 scandal in Italy. read more

Multinationals Seem Too Big For Accountability. Switzerland May Change That

Nov 28th, 2020

by John Donovan.

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Amnesty International has been challenging Shell for decades about the devastating impact that pollution and environmental damage, associated with the company’s operation, have had on the human rights of people in the Niger Delta, Nigeria. Shell has, however, tried to delegate its responsibility for the damage to its Nigerian subsidiary, SPDC, making it more difficult even for victims to seek justice. Today, there is a case pending in the UK which seeks to hold the company accountable.

Multinationals Seem Too Big For Accountability. Switzerland May Change That read more

Nigeria Government Lawyer Accuses Jonathan, Adoke And Diezani Of Receiving Bribes To Facilitate Malabu Deal

Sep 11th, 2020

by John Donovan.

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He informed the court that Nigeria wanted to take action because of this fact, which it considers to be of very serious prejudice to the nation.

BY SAHARA REPORTERS, NEW YORK: SEP 10, 2020

The lawyer representing Nigeria at the ongoing trial of the Malabu OPL245 scandal, Lucio Lucia, has indicted ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, at the hearing of the case in Milan court on Wednesday. read more

Ken Saro Wiwa Resurrection: Spirit of the Ogoni

Sep 7th, 2020

by John Donovan.

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Press release 7^th September 2020

Ken Saro Wiwa Resurrection: Spirit of the Ogoni

November the 10^th 2020 is the commemoration of the 25^th anniversary of the execution of the environmentalist, author Ken Saro Wiwa and 8 others who became known as the Ogoni 9.

More than 25 years ago Filmmaker Nathan Achim Sheppard filmed and conducted an in-depth interview at Ken’s home in London about his life, work and struggle.

Literally a few hours before his final journey to Nigeria never to return.

In this interview Ken also directs his daughter reading a moving passage from one of his books. read more

OPL 245: International transparency groups raise 25 questions

Jul 27th, 2020

by John Donovan.

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International transparency groups raise 25 questions for AGF Malami on OPL 245 contracts

July 26, 2020: Premium Times

Four civil society groups who have been monitoring the OPL 245 scandal have raised 25 questions for Nigeria’s justice minister, Abubakar Malami, on the handling of the assets recovered in relation to the oil block.

The groups include Corner House, Global Witness and Re:Common – all European transparency organisations – and the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA), a Nigerian anti-corruption group. read more

OPL 245: Nigeria’s anti-corruption fight may suffer setback

Jul 13th, 2020

by John Donovan.

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Magu: International groups write Buhari, say Nigeria’s anti-corruption fight may suffer setback

July 12, 2020: Kunle Sanni

Prominent international groups involved in anti-corruption efforts globally have written to President Muhammadu Buhari on what they consider the unfortunate treatment of Ibrahim Magu.

PREMIUM TIMES reported the arrest of Mr Magu, acting chairman of Nigeria’s anti-graft agency, EFCC, on Monday.

He has been detained since then as he continues to appear before a panel probing allegations of corruption and insubordination against him. The allegations were made by the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami. read more

OPL 245:EFCC arraigns Malabu oil, 6 others over alleged $1bn fraud

Jul 2nd, 2020

by John Donovan.

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OPL 245:EFCC arraigns Malabu oil, 6 others over alleged $1bn fraud

1 July 2020

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri ABUJA — The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday, arraigned Malabu Oil & Gas Limited, six other companies and an oil tycoon, Aliyu Abubakar before the Federal High Court on a 48-count fraud charge.

The Defendants were docked over their involvement in alleged fraudulent transfer of controversial OPL 245, considered as one of the richest oil blocks in Africa.

Other defendants in the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/268/2016, are A-Group Construction Company Limited, Rocky Top Resources Limited, Mega-Tech Engineering Limited, Novel Properties and Development Company Limited, and Carlin International Nigeria Limited. read more

OPL 245: Fresh Charges Against Malabu Oil and Gas Limited

Jul 2nd, 2020

by John Donovan.

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EFCC drops Adoke from key OPL 245 case, files fresh charges against Malabu

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Malabu Oil and Gas Limited on fresh charges of money laundering in the OPL 245 deal of 2011.

July 02, 2020

Malabu, alongside Aliyu Abubakar, a businessman, and six other companies were arraigned on a 48-count charge before Iyang Ekwo, judge of a federal high court in Abuja.

The companies listed in the charge are: A-Group Construction Company Limited, Rocky Top Resources Limited, Mega Tech Engineering Limited, Novel Properties and Development Company Limited, and Carlin International Nigeria Limited. read more

Shell faces UK supreme court case over Niger delta pollution

Jun 23rd, 2020

by John Donovan.

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The fossil fuel company Shell must be held accountable for significant and systematic pollution caused by oil extraction in the Niger delta, lawyers will argue in the supreme court.

Nigerians from the Ogale and Bille communities say they have suffered decades of pollution, including the contamination of their water wells with potentially cancer-causing chemicals, as well as the devastation of mangrove vegetation, all of which was documented by the UN in a groundbreaking report in 2011.

The United Nations environment programme (UNEP) said in its report it could take 30 years to clean up the pollution caused by oil extraction and recommended an initial fund of $1bn (£800m) for the first five years to be paid by the oil companies that operate in Ogoniland – including the largest company, Shell. read more

Shell, XOM to seek arbitration against Netherlands: report

May 29th, 2020

by John Donovan.

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Shell, XOM to seek arbitration against Netherlands: report

May 29, 2020

Shell and ExxonMobil will file an arbitration claim against the Netherlands government over compensation for the early closure of gas field, according to Global Arbitration Review (GAR).

The companies operate the Groningen gas field through NAM — a 50-50 Dutch joint venture. Production from the onshore gas field causes earthquakes affecting local communities, which has prompted the government to shut it down early.

NAM is working with the Dutch government and other stakeholders to fulfill its obligations to residents of the area, which include compensation for damage caused by the earthquakes. read more

SEC drops inquiry into Shell-Eni OPL 245 deal, companies say

Apr 24th, 2020

by John Donovan.

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Apr. 23, 2020 3:20 PM ET|About: Royal Dutch Shell plc (RDS.A)|By: Carl Surran, SA News Editor

Royal Dutch Shell (RDS.A +0.9%) and Eni (E -0.8%) say the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has dropped its inquiry into their 2011 acquisition of the OPL 245 oil block offshore Nigeria.

The two companies are still on trial in Italy over allegations they bought OPL 245 knowing most of the $1.3B price would go to agents and middlemen in bribes.

Separately, Eni says CEO Claudio Descalzi and all senior managers will defer the collection of half of their 2020 long-term incentive plans until 2021, part of the company’s measures to reduce investment and operating costs.

For Descalzi, the deferral is equivalent to €735K, 15% of his total remuneration or 46% of his fixed remuneration.

Also, an agreement between Eni, Spanish gas firm Naturgy Energy and the Egyptian government to resolve a series of disputes over a shuttered gas plant in northern Egypt reportedly has fallen through.

The deal had been due to end Naturgy’s business interests in Egypt and dissolve a joint venture between Naturgy and Eni, while Eni and some Egyptian firms would have increased their holdings in the Damietta plant. SOURCE

Nigeria: Court Garnishees First Bank Account With CBN Over Judgment Debt of N182.7 Billion

Mar 9th, 2020

by John Donovan.

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The humongous amount represents the punitive measures slammed on Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) Limited for devastating the community and its environs and ecosystem with oil spillage.

By Akin Akinwale: 8 March 2020

Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has made a garnishee order compelling the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to pay the people of Ejama Community in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State a total sum of N182.7 billion. The amount is to be deducted from the account of First Bank of Nigeria Plc. in the custody of the CBN.

Lawyers to Ejama community told THISDAY last night they have since served the CBN the garnishee order absolute.

The humongous amount represents the punitive measures slammed on Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) Limited for devastating the community and its environs and ecosystem with oil spillage. read more

Exxon, Shell Face Uphill Legal Battle Over Soured Nigerian Deal

Mar 7th, 2020

by John Donovan.

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Oil majors including Exxon Mobil Corp. and Royal Dutch Shell Plc are facing uphill battles to convince U.S. courts to enforce multi-billion dollar arbitration awards they secured against Nigeria’s state oil company.

The companies accused the Nigerian National Petroleum Corp. of taking more crude than it was entitled to under four deals that were signed in 1993 to incentivise them to develop deep offshore blocks. Those projects today account for about 30% of the country’s 2 million barrels of daily output. read more

Malabu Oil deal: EFCC seeks arrest warrant to extradite ex-Minister Etete, others

Jan 29th, 2020

by John Donovan.

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JANUARY 29, 2020

Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Abuja

THE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has asked the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory for a warrant of arrest to enable it extradite a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Dauzia Loya (Dan) Etete and two others.

The others are Munamuna Seidougha and Amaran Joseph.

The anti-graft agency has preferred charges against the three suspects before the High Court over the $1.09billion Malabu Oil Block (OPL 245) Settlement Agreement.

The EFCC alleged that Rasky Gbinigie, Munamuna Seidougha (at large), Amaran Joseph sometime in 2013, in Abuja “dishonestly used as genuine the forged form CAC 7 and Board Resolution of Malabu Oil and Gas Limited and the letter of resignation of one Mohammed Sani, which they then knew to be forged documents, to open a bank account No. 2018288005 to receive $401,540,000.00 . read more

Shell wins court case to stop activists boarding North Sea rigs

Dec 4th, 2019

by John Donovan.

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Wednesday 04 December 2019

Energy company Shell has won a court order to prevent activists from boarding installations in the North Sea.

The company secured an interim interdict against Greenpeace at the Court of Session in Edinburgh on Wednesday.

Shell began the action after environmentalists spent the night on its Brent Alpha and Bravo platforms in October to campaign against leaving parts of them in the sea. The Brent Field is situated 116 miles off the coast of Lerwick, Shetland, midway between the Shetland Isles and the coast of Norway. A Shell spokesman said: “Shell sought this court order only to prevent protesters breaching the statutory 500-metre safety zones around platforms in the Brent field, putting themselves and Shell staff at risk.

“We wholeheartedly support the right to protest peacefully and safely.

“We’re pleased this decision recognises that the existing legal safety zone should be respected by campaigners.”

Shell said of the four Brent platforms, only one – Brent Charlie – is now manned, from which Shell staff could be required to give urgent assistance to any protesters in the event of an emergency but this would also put their teams at risk. read more

The Nigerian Activist Whose Death Shamed Shell

Nov 11th, 2019

by John Donovan.

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USE BROWSER TO ENLARGE IMAGE

SHELL RELATED EXTRACTS FROM AN ARTICLE BY JACOBIN PUBLISHED UNDER THE HEADLINE “THE NIGERIAN ACTIVIST WHOSE DEATH SHAMED SHELL”

AN INTERVIEW WITH ROY DORON / TOYIN FALOLA: 10 NOV 2019

Twenty-four years ago today, environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa was executed by the Nigerian state. His death brought international attention to the rapacious behavior of oil companies like Shell — and their complicity in the most violent forms of repression.

Born in 1941, Ken Saro-Wiwa came of age as Nigeria gained independence and became a lifelong advocate for the importance of minority rights within a unified national identity. A member of the Ogoni ethnic group, who at only half a million hold little sway in a country of two hundred million, Saro-Wiwa was central to mobilizing a popular movement that demanded accountability for companies like Shell that were extracting oil in the creeks of the Niger Delta. read more

Q & A with famed litigant Esther Kiobel suing Shell for alleged complicity in the murder of her husband

Nov 9th, 2019

by John Donovan.

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Q & A WITH ESTHER KIOBEL (The lead plaintiff in litigation by four Ogoni 9 widows currently suing Shell in the Dutch courts for alleged complicity in the murder of their husbands and other alleged crimes and abuses of human rights in Nigeria.)

1) Twenty-four years ago, your husband was one of the Ogoni nine executed by Abacha. How have you and the family been coping?

HMMMMMM! WE LIVE BY THE GRACE OF GOD THAT STRENGTHENS US.

2) What exactly was your husband’s offence?

MY HUSBAND’S OFFENSE WAS HIS REFUSAL TO BETRAY HIS PEOPLE IN AN EXECUTIVE MEETING AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE. THEY SAID ON FALSE CHARGES THAT HE, MITEE, AND KEN SARO WIWA CONSPIRED TO KILL THE FOUR PROMINENT OGONIS WHO WERE HAVING MEETING AT GIOKOO. JUST FALSE ALLEGATION TO GET THEM KILLED FOR NO JUST CAUSE. read more

Headers

Oct 27th, 2019

by John Donovan.

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SELECTION OF WEBPAGE HEADER IMAGES ALL FROM WEBSITES OPERATED BY JOHN DONOVAN, ALL FOCUSSED ON ROYAL DUTCH SHELL

Header images on royaldutchshellplc.com

Header images on royaldutchshellgroup.com

Remembering HON, DR BARINEM NUBARI KIOBEL’S BIRTHDAY: 23rd September

Sep 5th, 2019

by John Donovan.

1 comment

Remembering HON, DR BARINEM NUBARI KIOBEL’S BIRTHDAY: 23rd September

Happy Birthday HON, Dr. Barinem Nubari Kiobel. Though you are not physically with us, your spirit lives on and your memory remains fresh in our hearts. Your legacy will live forever. You shall always be remembered. We love you but Jesus Loves You more. May your precious soul continue to rest in peace. Remain in the bosom of the LORD Almighty God until we meet to part no more. Happy posthumous birthday. We Love you.

See more information below about the career of Dr. Kiobel and a loving memorial salute by his widow.

Esther Kiobel (above) the widow of DR Kiobel is currently suing Royal Dutch Shell in the Dutch courts for alleged complicity in his murder. A panel of three Dutch judges has given approval for the case to proceed. Esther is the lead plaintiff in the action brought collectively by three Ogoni 9 widows whose husbands were all hanged by the Nigerian military regime allegedly in collaboration with Shell.

Remembering (Hon) Dr. Barinem Nubari Kiobel

PH.D MCOM, MBA, BBA, DIPM DIPMGT-ABE MCIM MINSTT

Dr. Barinem Nubari Kiobel was born in Kpor Town, Gokana local Gov’t area of River State, Ogoni in Niger Delta into the family of Madam Vurage Kile Diiyor (mother) and chief Francis Kiobel Barika (father) on September 23^rd, 1959. read more

Nigeria: Govt Declines Renewal of Shell’s OML 11 Over National Security

Aug 16th, 2019

by John Donovan.

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Nigeria: Govt Declines Renewal of Shell’s OML 11 Over National Security

By Alex Enumah: 16 August 2019

Abuja — The Federal Government Thursday told an Abuja Division of the Federal High Court that its decision not to renew the operating license of Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) was in the interest of the nation’s security.

The oil giant in the legal action is seeking an order of the court to compel the Federal Government to grant or renew its Oil Mining Lease (OML)11.

At the resumed hearing on Thursday, counsel to Federal Government, Mohammed Diri, while objecting to the suit said the primary objective of any responsible government is to guarantee the safety of lives and properties, adding that the refusal to renew OML 11 was a pre-emptive measure to prevent the occurrence or escalation of security breach in Ogoni area. read more

Pollution: Niger Delta Communities Drag Shell To UK Supreme Court

Jul 24th, 2019

by John Donovan.

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According to Shell’s records, the community has been impacted by at least 40 oil spills from Shell’s pipelines and equipment since 1989, including 23 spills in the past 4 years. Shell’s pipelines and infrastructure in Ogale are several decades old and in a poor state of repair making the area vulnerable to oil spills which have caused, and continue to cause, long-term contamination of the land, swamps, groundwater and waterways in the Community.

Lawyers representing 40,000 Nigerian farmers and fisherman from two communities in the Niger Delta have been permitted to take their legal claim against the oil giant Shell to the UK Supreme Court.

The decision will allow the two communities from Bille and Ogale in the Niger Delta to appeal to the UK’s highest court, having suffered from decades of pollution from Shell’s pipelines.

They have taken their case to the English Courts on the basis that Royal Dutch Shell (RDS), which is headquartered in London, is legally responsible for the environmental failures of the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC), a subsidiary of RDS. read more

Dutch prosecutors investigate whether small gas fields exceed output limits

Jul 12th, 2019

by John Donovan.

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AMSTERDAM, July 12 (Reuters) – Dutch prosecutors said on Friday they were investigating whether producers at some of the country’s small gas fields had exceeded the amount they were licensed to produce.

Gas production limits have become a sensitive issue in the Netherlands as the country tries to reduce production at its large Groningen gas field that has caused damaging earthquakes.

Prosecution spokeswoman Marieke van der Moolen confirmed a report by regional broadcaster RTV Drente that investigations in several locations were ongoing and were taking place in collaboration with the country’s State Supervisor of Mines. read more

Posts Tagged ‘Litigation’

Shell is said to evaluate sale of holdings in largest U.S. oil field valued at as much as $10B

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Shell climate case verdict: ‘A stark warning to any corporate polluter’

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Summary

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27 MAY 2021

By Henry Uche

Human & Environmental Development Agenda, HEDA, Re: Common, Corner House and Global Witness have applauded President Buhari’s insistence that the oil field could not be developed until corruption cases had concluded.

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By Hanna Ziady, CNN Business

Updated 2000 GMT (0400 HKT) May 26, 2021

The company must slash its CO2 emissions by 45% by 2030 from 2019 levels, according to a judgment from a district court in The Hague on Wednesday. That includes emissions from its own operations and from the energy products it sells.

This is the first time that a court has ruled a company needs to reduce its emissions in line with global climate goals, according to Friends of the Earth Netherlands, an environmental campaigning group that brought the case against Shell (RDSA).

The Anglo-Dutch company announced plans in September to become a net zero emissions company by 2050, a target that includes emissions from its products. It is currently targeting a 20% reduction in carbon intensity by 2030, and 45% by 2035.

“This case is unique because it is the first time a judge has ordered a large polluting corporation to comply with the Paris Climate Agreement. This ruling may also have major consequences for other big polluters,” added Cox.

The impact of the decision will be amplified because the court relied on global human rights standards and international instruments on climate change in arriving at its decision, according to legal experts.

Mounting pressure

The court found that Shell’s carbon emissions pose a “very serious threat” to Dutch residents, and that the company has an “individual responsibility” to reduce emissions. The court said the company would have “total freedom” to comply with its order and to shape corporate policy.

Shell indicated it would appeal the ruling, which is immediately enforceable, according to De Brabandere.

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Anjli Raval, Senior Energy Correspondent

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