Shell, a major oil and gas company, has filed a lawsuit against Greenpeace for $2.1 million in damages following an incident where Greenpeace activists boarded one of Shell's oil production vessels in transit at sea earlier this year. 

The lawsuit, filed in London's High Court, seeks to recover costs related to shipping delays, extra security expenses, and legal costs incurred as a result of the protest.

The incident occurred when Greenpeace activists boarded the vessel near the Canary Islands and travelled with it as far as Norway to protest oil drilling. Shell claims that the safety of the protesters and the crew was paramount and that the legal action is aimed at preventing activities at sea or in port that could endanger people's lives.

Greenpeace has described Shell's legal action as one of the biggest threats in its more than 50-year history , and the environmental group plans to contest the lawsuit. Shell has offered to reduce its damage claim to $1.4 million if Greenpeace's activists agree not to protest again at any of Shell's oil and gas infrastructure at sea or in port. 

However, Greenpeace has stated that it would only comply with this request if Shell agrees to comply with a 2021 Dutch court order to cut its emissions by 45% by 2030, which Shell has appealed.

Broader public opinion is divided and seems to reflect the ongoing tension between environmental activists and major fossil fuel companies, alongside debates around the right to protest and the responsibilities of corporations in addressing climate change. Some view Shell's legal action as an attempt to silence legitimate protests and dissent over the company's fossil fuel investments and environmental impact.

Others share the same standpoint as Shell, arguing that the right to protest is legitimate though it must be done safely and lawfully. The oil company has stated repeatedly that protests focused on preventing activities at sea or in port that could endanger people's lives. Additionally, Shell have claimed that significant costs incurred in responding to what it considers to be dangerous actions by Greenpeace, including legal costs and expenses for extra security.

This legal clash between Shell and Greenpeace underscores the ongoing tension between environmental activists and major fossil fuel companies . It also highlights the broader debate around the right to protest and the responsibilities of corporations in addressing climate change.