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INC., aDelawarecorporation, corporation, and SHELLGULFOFMEXICO SHELL OFFSHOREINC.,aDelaware Attorneys for Plaintiffs [email protected] STOEL RIVES Ryan P.Steen(BarNo.0912084) Jeffrey W. Leppo(BarNo.0001003) Case No.3:15-cv-00054 HRH Shell v.Greenpeace, Inc.,etal. VERIFIED COMPLAINT assets fromunlawfuland unsafeinterference by Shell seeks theimmediate intervention of this Cour and irreparableharm to, Shell’s2015Arcticex interference with,and concert withit(collectively Inc. (alsoknown as“GreenpeaceUSA”),andindivi “Shell”) file thiscomplaint urgently seeking JANEDOES1-20, corporation, andJOHN GREENPEACE, INC.,aCalifornia [email protected] Facsimile: (206)386-7500 Telephone: (206)624-0900 Seattle, WA 98101 600 UniversityStreet,Suite 3600 1. v.
Shell OffshoreInc. (“SOI”) andShellGulf LLP
the ongoingimminentthreat
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT DISTRICTCOURT UNITED STATES “Greenpeace”), because oftheir FOR THE DISTRICT OF ALASKA DISTRICTOFALASKA FOR THE I. NATURE OF THE CASE OFTHECASE NATURE I. Page 1of31 Defendants. Plaintiffs, the Court’sprotectionfr ploration drillingprogra of continuinga Greenpeace whilethey are intransittothe duals andentitiesaffiliatedwith actingin t to protect Shell’svessels and related Arctic VERIFIED COMPLAINT VERIFIED COMPLAINT Case No.:3:15-cv-00054HRH
of MexicoInc. (“SGMI”)(collectively existing dangerousandunlawful nd additional interference with nd additionalinterferencewith om defendantGreenpeace m andsupportvessels. STOEL RIVES LLP 600 University Street, Suite 3600, Seattle, WA 98101 Main (206) 624-0900 Fax (206) 386-7500
drillship The of unlawfullypreventing,orotherwiseunlawfull action campaign ofillegal andextremely act unsafe Greenpeace USAandthoseactingin concertwithitar common law,maritime, andstate common lawviola concert withGreenpeace USAfrom continuing andfurther committing federal statutory and relief topreventGreenpeace USA,andindividu the drillingvesselswillmake fina miles andthereaf northwestofHawaii, safety ofthemselves andofothers,boardedthe Field, willfully,recklesslyandillegally,dem the were preparingtodosomethi Pacific Northwest,whileinportthe Case No.3:15-cv-00054-HRH Shell v.Greenpeace, Inc. VERIFIED COMPLAINT six “brave”activists onthe intentions. Itdevelopedadedi vessel, the “stalking” and “chasing” Shell’sArtic drilling vessel the conducting drillingoperations Esperanza Blue Marlin 3. 2. Noble Discoverer
Blue Marlin, , including GreenpeaceUSA’srepresenta Shell seeksurgenttemporary, prelimin The Greenpeacevessel loaded with the acrossthe Pacific.Greenpeacema , areenroutetoandrapidlyappr Esperanza ng “extraordinary.”OnApril6, inoffshoreAlaska. cated website(dubbed“TheCrossi Page 2of31 l preparationsforthe2015Arctic Polar Pioneer Esperanza (includingprofessionala ter scaledandnowillegallyoccupythe Blue Marlin Northwest, duringtransittoAlaska,andwhile y disrupting,delaying,a onstrating acallousdisr , —inGreenpeace’sownwordshasbeen als andentities affiliated withandactingin , alongwithasecond ivities directedagainst Shellfor thepurpose tions. Theactual and threatened actionsof e infurtheranceofacarefullystaged direct ary andpermanent injunctiveandother Polar Pioneer tive, member andemployee, Aliyah oaching portsinWashington where on thehighseasapproximately 750 2015, sixmembers ofthecrew de nosecret ofitsactionsor nd experiencedclimbers)who ng”) chroniclingtheactionsof explorationseason. anditsheavytransport egard fortherightsand nd interferingwith,oil essential vessel,the Polar Pioneer . STOEL RIVES LLP 600 University Street, Suite 3600, Seattle, WA 98101 Main (206) 624-0900 Fax (206) 386-7500
and gasexplorationdrilli Case No.3:15-cv-00054-HRH Shell v.Greenpeace, Inc. VERIFIED COMPLAINT Shell irreparable harm, aswelladditional monetary damages. Greenpeace USAandthoseaffiliated withandacting waters over Shell’sUnited States OCSleases. territorial waters, theU.S.ExclusiveEconomic personnel, trespassandimpair Shell’srightto intends, otherwiseseverelyimpair andendang open waterseasoninthe ArcticOcean. Mo drilling activitiesonShell-owne supplies, and personneltotheChukchi Sea,an Greenpeace USAintends,delayand/orprevent Shellfrom transportingvessels, facilities, and theenvironment, atriskofgraveharm. its employees andcontractors,ortherightto rights, however,donotincludelicensetocommit to redressitsconcerns,and recognizes Greenpeace’sright tooppose offshore and createdangeroussituationsfortheirtargets, conducting directactionsagainstAr by GreenpeaceUSAand thoseactinginconcert with Sea adjacenttoAlaska’snorthwesterncoast. 5. 4.
Left unsanctioned, Greenpeace USA’s illegal andtortiousactions will,as This lawsuitistargetedsolelyatactual ng intheUnitedStates OuterContin express theirviewsinalawful Page 3of31 d UnitedStatesOCSoilandga ctic oilandgasopera pursue policyobjectivesbyputtingpeople,property reover, Greenpeace USAwill,as Greenpeace USA d from conductingfederallypermitted exploration lawenforcement, andtheirownmembers. Shell navigateandconductcommercewithinU.S. Zone (“EEZ”) andonthehighseas,including Ifnotimmediately enjoined,theanticsof er Shell’s vessels,facilities,property, and drilling in Alaska, topetitionthegovernment torts orcrimes againstShell, itspropertyand it.Greenpeacehas ademonstrated pattern andthreatenedtortiousillegalconduct in concert withit,will,asintended, cause tions thatviolateth ental Shelf(“OCS”)oftheChukchi manner. Greenpeace’sadvocacy s leases,duringthebrief2015 e rightsofothers STOEL RIVES LLP 600 University Street, Suite 3600, Seattle, WA 98101 Main (206) 624-0900 Fax (206) 386-7500
USA leaderJackieDragonthat“[w]eknowther “war footing”andthathewas Greenpeace International’s ExecutiveDirector the NinthCircuitaffirmed theCourt’ according to whatwethink isinthebestinterest threatened tocommit similar torts to“StopShell” boarded the from tortious andillegalconduct threatsby Greenpeace. Shell atemporary restrainingor operations, includingtheassociated against GreenpeaceUSAtoprotectShell’spl Shell toseekinjunctiverelief Case No.3:15-cv-00054-HRH Shell v.Greenpeace, Inc. VERIFIED COMPLAINT action campaigns pertainingtoenvironmental issu has beenand iscurrentlyanactiveand vol been activeinAlaskasincethe197 of businessinthe District of Columbia withan 6. 2 1 9. 8. 7. SeeShellv.Greenpeace, Inc. Shell v.Greenpeace,Inc
Noble Discoverer This isthesecondtime thetortious Part ofGreenpeaceUSA’smission asanorgani Greenpeace USAisanon-profitCalifornia SOI andSGMIareDelawarecor inNewZealand,boardedthe in thisCourt.In2012,Shellwas Page 4of31 ready to “dieforthecause,” andstatements fromGreenpeace ., 709F.3d1281(9thCir. 2012). der andapreliminary injuncti 0s. ItisregisteredinAlaska vessels,facilities,andpersonne s grantofapreliminary injunction. , etal.,3:12-cv-00042-SLG. II. PARTIES untary litigantbeforethisCourt. office inJuneau, Alaska. Greenpeace USAhas porations operatinginAlaska. Kumi NaidoothatGree anned OCSArctic2012 exploration drilling s oftheplanet,” U.S.CourtofAppealsfor inthe Arctic. Notwithstanding threats from e isan injunctionin es, andtoconfrontstopotherwise actions ofGreenpeaceUSAhaverequired corporation having itsprincipal place Nordica zation istoengageinglobal direct 1 TheCourtinthatcase granted asanon-profitcorporation.It on, afterGreenpea forced tofileasimilar lawsuit and l, andShell’sotherassets 2 npeace wasmovingtoa
Fennica place, but wewillact inFinland,and ce activists STOEL RIVES LLP 600 University Street, Suite 3600, Seattle, WA 98101 Main (206) 624-0900 Fax (206) 386-7500
the in U.S.portfacilities,toblockade with Greenpeace USA, tosupport,assist,orpartic time. Oninformation and belief Ocean onUnitedStatesOCSleasesduringthe 2015 openwaterseason. transportation of Shellvessels to theArctica of carryingouttortious orillegal actstostop, national offices,thatisworkinginconcertor contractors, aswellanyotherentity,includi USA’s consent. States andnoGreenpeaceoperations aretooccu offices onglobalcampaigns suchasitsongoing“SavetheArctic”campaign. collaborates andcoordinateswithGreenpeaceIn countries acrossEurope,theAmericas, Asia, Greenpeace International inAmsterdam, and Greenpeaceofficesinover40 Netherlands, principles,” whichguideitsactions as usedby Greenpeace,USA includesillega lawful commercial andgovernmental Case No.3:15-cv-00054-HRH Shell v.Greenpeace, Inc. VERIFIED COMPLAINT PolarPioneer 13. 12. 11. 10.
John andJaneDoes1-20areindividuals,wh Greenpeace USAisresponsiblefor theactions ofitsemployees,agents, and Greenpeace USAcontrolsall Greenpeace USAispartofalarger“O andothersupportvesselstotheArctic, Page 5of31 , JohnandJaneDoes1-20,acti , istobe“confrontational.” and otherwisedisrupttransportofthe activitieswithwhichitdisagr cooperationwithGreenpeaceUSAforthepurposes ng GreenpeaceInternatio l activities. One of Greenpeace USA’sl activities. OneofGreenpeace “core nd explorationactivitiesbyShellintheArctic prevent, blockade, delay,orotherwisedisrupt ternational andtheother Greenpeacenational Africa, andthePacific.GreenpeaceUSA ipate inGreenpeace’sto r intheUnitedStateswithout Greenpeace ne Greenpeace”framework,consistingof and tostop,prevent,blockade,delay, operations occurring inthe United ose identitiesareuncertainatthis ng inconcertandparticipation ees. Theterm “directaction” nal orotherGreenpeace NobleDiscoverer rtious and illegal acts rtious andillegalacts and STOEL RIVES LLP 600 University Street, Suite 3600, Seattle, WA 98101 Main (206) 624-0900 Fax (206) 386-7500
subject matter jurisdictionpursuantto43U.S.C. a substantial relationship totraditional marine waters, and(ii)withfacilities en or otherwisedisrupt conduct ofexplorationac Case No.3:15-cv-00054-HRH Shell v.Greenpeace, Inc. VERIFIED COMPLAINT considerable time beforeShellresumedArcticex such reliefbecauseitappeared granted Shell’srequesttovolunt leases located inth exceed the sum orvalueof$75,000,excl diversity ofcitizenship between plaintiffs andde seabed ofthe OCS. with anyoperationsinvolvingexploration,deve of theUnitedStateswithjurisd law andincludetortothercl 1333, because, among othergrounds, Shell’scauses of States OCSleasesduringthe2015openwaterseason. 18. 17. 16. 15. 14.
Following thecloseof2012summerwo Shell ownsinterests incertainUnited Venue isappropriateinthisco In addition,thisCourthasjurisdic This Courthassubjectmatterjurisd e Chukchi Sea. I. JURISDICTIONANDVENUE III. IV. GENERAL ALLEGATIONS iction overcasesandcont Page 6of31 aims, including interference (i)w gaged orpreparingtoengagein arily dismiss the2012litigationw likely, aseventshavesince confirmed, thatitwouldbesome usive ofinterestandcosts. urt pursuantto28U.S.C.§1391. activity. Additionally,thisCourthasoriginal lopment, orproductionofthesubsoil tivities byShell inth §1349(b)(1)whichprovide fendants, and becausethematters incontroversy tion under28U.S.C.§1332becauseof ploration drillingoperati iction pursuantto28U.S.C.§§1331and States OCSoilandgasleases,including action arebasedon questionsof federal roversies arisingout rk seasonintheArctic,Court OCS activities,allofwhichbear ith marine trafficonnavigable ithout prejudice.Shellsought e Arctic Ocean onUnited ons offshoreofAlaska. s thedistrictcourts of orinconnection STOEL RIVES LLP 600 University Street, Suite 3600, Seattle, WA 98101 Main (206) 624-0900 Fax (206) 386-7500
Nordica 30.5 meters anddrafts ofatl and servicingofthedrillingoperat vessels willbeusedforicemanagement, anchor Discoverer May orJune.The make final preparations for thedrilling seasonan aboard theheavyliftvessel is travelingunderitsownpower,whilethe Noble Discoverer Montana Explorer, American Trader, Nanuq Harvey Champion,Supporter, Ocean Wi Ocean Wind Discoverer exploration drillinginth Case No.3:15-cv-00054-HRH Shell v.Greenpeace, Inc. VERIFIED COMPLAINT vessels thatwillbeusedforthe2015explor offshore ofAlaskainthe ChukchiSea aboveand exploration activities,in 22. 21. 19. 20. , , Fennica
Klamath and the and the and In ordertoconductdril Shell hasalreadybegun theprocess of On oraboutJanuary29,2015,Shellannounc During the2015openwaterseason intheArcticOcean,Shellintends toconduct Ocean Wave , and the ArcticChallenger,CorbinFoss,Aiviq,Lauren Foss,Tuuq,RossChouest, PolarPioneer PolarPioneer , Polar Pioneer Arctic Endeavour cluding explorationdrilli e ChukchiSeaonitsUnitedStatesOCS leasesinthesummer of2015. PolarPioneer Blue Marlin . east fourmeters. Thesupport Page 7of31 . Bothvesselsareunde willeachbe attendedbynumerous vessels andaircraft.These ions. Themajorityoftheseve willbetowedtothe Chukchi , Barbara Foss,TorVikingII ling operationsintheAr leftMalaysiainearlyMarchof2015. , . BothvesselsaredestinedforportsinWashingtonto Unalaq Polar Pioneer ation drilling intheArcticOceanare handling,oilspillresponse, refueling, resupply, ng, atisolatedlocationsapproximately 75miles d willultimatelytransit toAlaskasometime in , on its UnitedStatesOCS leases.Thedrilling Benjamin Foss nd, OceanWave,HarveySisuaq, mobilizing vesselsforthis season. The r contracttoShell. isbeingtransportedfrom Malaysia ed itsintenttoresume Arctic ctic Oceanin2015,the vessels includethefollowing: ssels havelengthsgreaterthan Seabytheocean-goingtugs , , King C Guardsman , Noble Discoverer Marika , Sea Prince , andan Noble Noble ,
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resupply landingcraft,areyetto additional yet-to-be-named resupplytanker.Ot Case No.3:15-cv-00054-HRH Shell v.Greenpeace, Inc. VERIFIED COMPLAINT other supportvessels.Theve marine mammal observationsupportforthe operating from Barrow,Alaskaw and equipment,harmtotheenvir increase therisksofcollisions orallisions, injuries topersonnel, damage to essentialfacilities individuals toanchors,vessels, attemp vessels, hangingsurvivalpodson vessels, placing swimmersin the waterinfron blockading vesselsintransit,blocking accessto irreparable riskstosafety,property,andtheenvi support vesselsintransitorwhileoperatingat individuals withuncertain and unpredictable mo schedule from thePacificNorthwestand Discoverer within aspecific distance, thenthedrilling vess unimpeded whenconductingdrillingoperations.Shel very short.Experiencewithicefloesin2012illus even more prevalentintheArcticwhere conditi 24. 23.
and the These concernsarepresentwhilethe vessels The closepresenceofvessels,aircraft PolarPioneer ssels andaircraftsupportingth Page 8of31 or otherfacilities,createunsa bedetermined. Severalhelic areeachcontracted toShellandmusttransit on aspecific ill provide search and rescue onment fromacatastrophic event. other locationstotheArcticOcean. NobleDiscoverer el willdisconnect from thewellandmoveoff the ons aredynamic andin-watersurvival times are her specificvessels,incl adrillinglocation,presentsunacceptableand t ofvessels,hangingclimbers onthesidesof ting tofoulpropulsionsystems andchainingof ronment. Tactics usedbyGreenpeacesuchas vesselsattempting todockatport, boarding trates whyitisimportant forthevesselstobe tives and intentions, todrilling vessels and l’s plansprovidethat suchasdronesorhelicopters,and areinportandduri e drillingoperationsof the fe andhazardous conditions and and the opters andfixedwingaircraft , resupply,crewchange,and PolarPioneer uding atankerandtwo if anicefloecomes ng transit,butare and the and the Noble STOEL RIVES LLP 600 University Street, Suite 3600, Seattle, WA 98101 Main (206) 624-0900 Fax (206) 386-7500
drilling siteuntilthe floepasse Case No.3:15-cv-00054-HRH Shell v.Greenpeace, Inc. VERIFIED COMPLAINT numerous interrelated permitting, drilling and supportvesselsintheirremote lo interrelated contractserv of Nativerightsandconcerns, involving coordinationofnume for theseason,andhasusedthattacticsuccessfullyagainstothercompanies. organizations. Greenpeaceis wellawarethateven among Shellandnumerous contractors,suppli would haveaseriesofirreparableimpactsontheinterrelatedwebagreements andpermits exploration drillingoperations,or ice conditionsandweather.Impeding, bloc (generally July toOctober) during which operations constrained intime periodanddurationtoabrie kind ofmovement couldhave day imposes significant costsonShell and thelimitations imposed bynavigational, weathe conduct. Greenpeace hasblockaded vessels,bloc “direct action”),andpubliclytout complete its2015explorationdrillingprogram. 26. 25. 27.
The 2015explorationdrillingplanshavere The abilitytoconductexplor Greenpeace hasapattern andpr ices toconstruct, transport, supply,fuel,andultimately operatethe catastrophicresults. rous approvalsfrom federalag s throughthearea.AnyactionbyGreenpeaceto impede that Page 9of31 and coordinationmobilization ofnumerous necessaryand s itsongoingandfutureintention logistical and operational activ forcingShelltoceaseoperationsforsome periodoftime, and presentstheveryrealrisk ation drillingintheChukchi actice oftortiousandillega kading, orotherwise ers, numerous federalagencies,andNative cations. Becauseofthecomplexity ofthe ked passageofvessels, trespassed onvessels, short delaysintheArcticcanstopexploration r, andiceconditions,a willnot present an unduerisk asaresultof f portionoftheArcticopenwaterseason quired anenormousandcostlyeffort, encies, studyandaccommodation ities, and contr to continueengaginginsuch that Shellwillnot beableto delaying Shell’s2015 l actions(whi Seaisveryseriously delay of even a single delay ofevenasingle actual services, ch itcalls STOEL RIVES LLP 600 University Street, Suite 3600, Seattle, WA 98101 Main (206) 624-0900 Fax (206) 386-7500
activities are nowwelldocumented: including trespassandpiracy, members inpursuitoftheseillegalactionsha propulsion systems, andunlawfullyboardedo several differentcountries. support vessels, placed swimmers inthepath vandalized property,chainedindi Case No.3:15-cv-00054-HRH Shell v.Greenpeace, Inc. VERIFIED COMPLAINT b. a. 28.
2012, andthatitwouldnotcease to stopShellfromconductingoilandgasexpl the “StopShell” campaign. Greenpeacemade activities, Greenpeaceresumed itstortious In 2012,when Shellagainannouncedits charged withfelonies. consequence ofwhichallsevenGreenpeace exploration inthesummerof2010.Gr In May of2010,seven members of websites andpromotional events;organizingpr assets andretail outlets; targeting Shell’sbusiness partners; developing fake Shell not limited to,directactionstakenbyactivis of theArctic. Greenpeace’s StopShell campaign ismulti-faceted, andincludes, butis Explorer
Greenpeace’s prior illegaldirect actions intheGulfofMexico--avesselunder Page 10of31 have beensubjectto vidual protesterstorigsof itsactionsagainstShellunt ve beenfoundguiltyofnumerous unlawfulacts of moving vehicles,attempted to foulvessel Greenpeace unlawfully boarded the ccupied drillingrigs. activities againstShellunderthename of ts againstcorporate o eenpeace vandalizedthatvesselasa civil injunctions issu oration activitiesin members reportedly arrested were and numerous publicthreatsthat itintended intent toconductArcticexploration againstShell’s Arcticexploration otests ingeneral; initiating letterand contract withShellforuseinArctic drillingvesselequipment and il Shellagreedtostayout Greenpeace and/orits the ArcticOceanin ffices, and refining andrefining ffices, ed bythecourtsof Harvey Harvey STOEL RIVES LLP 600 University Street, Suite 3600, Seattle, WA 98101 Main (206) 624-0900 Fax (206) 386-7500
Case No.3:15-cv-00054-HRH Shell v.Greenpeace, Inc. VERIFIED COMPLAINT below, includeillegaland tortiousactionsco against any entityengagedinArcticexplorati activities isnotlimited when thisCourtissued apreliminary injunctionagainstGreenpeace. d. c. 29. 30.
Greenpeace thencontinued thoseillegalac the charges werelater redu States OCSleases.SixGreenpeacemembers we so that Shellcouldnot engage inexplorati express purposeofpreventingordelayingit members werearrested relatedtothese events. in frontofthe boarding itwhiletravelinginopenwate contract toShell,the 2012, Greenpeaceunlawfullyboardedandoccupiedthe In furtheranceofitsdirectactioncampai of legalchallengestothepermits and email campaigns toShell officials and politic intended pathofthevessel;(3 disable itspropulsionsystem and barricadingthemselves onthe icebreakers
Greenpeace’s 2012directactioncampaign Greenpeace’s pattern of tortious andillegal activityagainst Arcticexploration Nordica to actionsagainstShellandincludes Nordica and Page 11of31 Nordica while underway on May 4, 2012. Numerous Greenpeace whileunderwayonMay4,2012.Numerous Greenpeace Fennica ced tounlawfulboardinga , andplacingswimmers in ) anddangerouslypursuingthe andthe atportinFinlandonMarch16,2012;(2)boarding nducted againstCairnEnergy, Gazprom, Statoil, Nordica approvals relatedtoArcticdrilling. on anddevelopment. Theseexploits,detailed Fennica r onMay3,2012;and(4 on drilling intheArctic gn againstShell,onoraboutFebruary 23, tivities againsttwoa s transit from NewZealand totheArctic al figures; and participating inabarrage againonMay1,2012,attempting to re arrestedandchargedwithburglary; , by(1)boardingandoccupyingthe against Shellwas ultimately halted alonghistoryof nd occupyingthevessel. Noble Discoverer the waterinfrontof Nordica dditional vessels under Ocean onitsUnited ) placingswimmers such practices suchpractices andrecklessly forthe STOEL RIVES LLP 600 University Street, Suite 3600, Seattle, WA 98101 Main (206) 624-0900 Fax (206) 386-7500
Warrior ExxonMobil, andothers,usingthe Greenpeacevessels Case No.3:15-cv-00054-HRH Shell v.Greenpeace, Inc. VERIFIED COMPLAINT and c. b. a. Beluga
members (includingExecutive Director Greenpeace immediately violatedthat 50,000 eurosaday(upto1million euros)ifGreenpeace violatedthe injunction. Energy secured aninjunction against Gr remove andarrest the Greenpeacetrespassers Eiricksson and hunginasurvivalpodnexttoth Using the On May29,2011,Greenpeacecontinued its for 12hoursuntilforced toretreatby agale. vessel tostop. Theyunfurled abanner Cairn Energy. Elevenclimbers boardedthedrill rig In Aprilof2011,Greenpeace again launche by Greenland policeforbreaching the 500meter safetyzoneandfortrespass. after theweatherturneddangerous.The of the operations onthedrillshipfor48hoursby and fourGreenpeaceclimbersboardedthe vessel as partofitsoffshoreexplorationin In Augustof 2010,Greenpeacetook direct : Stella Don Esperanza . Afterfourdaysinthepod,Danish Esperanza , theGreenpeaceclimbershadto Page 12of31 , Greenpeace’ssmallcraftdangerous as theirlaunchi Greenland.Launchingfrom theGreenpeace ng point,twoGreenpeac onthedrillrigandoccupiedagangway e drillbitontheCairnvessel injunction inJune of2011,whentwo eenpeace, whichincludedapenaltyof four climbersfour werereportedly arrested attaching themselves totheunderside action againsttheUK’sCairnEnergy of Greenpeace International, Kumi Arctic Sunrise Stella Don d adirectaction campaign against . Asaresultofthatevent,Cairn campaign againstCairn Energy. Marineshadtobesentinto be rescuedbyGreenlandpolice Leiv Eiriksson ly evaded asecurity line, drillship. After halting , Esperanza e members attached andaskedthe , Rainbow Leiv STOEL RIVES LLP 600 University Street, Suite 3600, Seattle, WA 98101 Main (206) 624-0900 Fax (206) 386-7500
Case No.3:15-cv-00054-HRH Shell v.Greenpeace, Inc. VERIFIED COMPLAINT f. e. d.
boats toapproach the This time, thingsbecameevenmore dange September 2013,againusingthe Greenpeace continueditsillegalandto activists had tobeescorted boarded the WestHerculesoilrig,operated On April10,2013,threeGreenpeaceactivists dressedas polarbears illegally waters. inflatable boat upside down,anddumpi water cannons andultimately forced Greenpeace todisengagebyflippingthe anchor chain,preventingth Greenpeace members chainedth Akhmatova Greenpeace usedtwohighspeedrigid August 27, 2012,Greenpeacemounted anotheractionfrom the boarded the (including ExecutiveDirector Greenpeace vessel action campaigntotheRussianArctic.OnAugust24,2012,using continuing direct action againstShell in In thesummerof2012,whenthisCourt’ removed andarrested. Naidoo) againboardedthe , apassengervesselcarryingworkerstothe Prirazlomnaya Page 13of31 Arctic Sunrise Prirazlomnaya e vesselfrom liftinganchor away byStatoilpersonnel. Leiv Eiricksson Arctic oil platform operated by Gazprom. On ArcticoilplatformoperatedbyGazprom. of GreenpeaceInternational,Kumi Naidoo) asalaunchingpoint, eir inflatable boattothe Arctic Sunrise andsenttwoclimbers ng Greenpeaceactivists into theArctic s injunctionprevente inflatable boatsto interceptthe Alaska,Greenpeaceturneditsdirect rtious campaign against Gazprom in rous. Greenpeaceused byStatoil,inOlenPort,Norway.The . Those Greenpeace members were asaplatform for directaction. . Gazprom respondedwith six Greenpeaceclimbers, to scaletherig.The Anna Akhmatova’s d Greenpeacefrom Prirazlomnaya rigidinflatable Arctic Sunrise Anna . .
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Case No.3:15-cv-00054-HRH Shell v.Greenpeace, Inc. VERIFIED COMPLAINT g. h. i.
On September 19,2013,aftertheclimberswerecapturedon On September at theGreenpeace boatsinaneffo of occasions, theRussianCoastGuard collided anumber oftimes asthey Russian CoastGuardtodisengage,a water cannons. TheGreenpeacesmall vesse Guard sailorstriedtodislodgetheclim Russian CoastGuardresponded,sendingtheirowninflatableboatsand least oneU.S.citizen)boar In Marchof 2014,aninternational group with piracy,andth were arrested,including the American Sunrise wastowedtotheRussianPortof forces hadtoforciblyboardthefleeing repeated warningshotsfired from CoastGuardcannons.Armed Russiansecurity Willcox refusing ordersfrom theRussianCoastGuard tohaltand ignoring the protest planneduseoftherigto Arctic drilling. Greenpeace usedthe from dockingatRotterdam port.The boats andaparaglider,inaneffo time usingtheGreenpeacevessel Greenpeace continueditsillegal activities Arctic Sunrise Page 14of31 en hooliganism. attempted to flee the area, withAmerican Captain Peter ded andoccupiedExxonMobil’s explore intheKara Sea. rt tostoptheRussianoiltanker rt togaincompliance. maneuvered aroundtheclimbers. Onanumber Rainbow Warrior fired live ammunition from machineguns nd theRussianandGreenpeacevessels Captain PeterWillcox, andwerecharged Rainbow Warrior Mikhail Ulyanov bers whowereunderheavysprayfrom Artic Sunrise against Gazprom Mayof2014,this in Murmansk. Thirtypeopleonboard of Greenpeace activis ls refusedtoobeycommandsofthe , alongwithseveralsmaller by helicopter. The Arctic wascarryingoilfrom andseveralinflatable West Alpha Mikhail Ulyanov ts (includingat Prirazlomnaya oilrigto ,
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Case No.3:15-cv-00054-HRH Shell v.Greenpeace, Inc. VERIFIED COMPLAINT k. j.
the zone). TheNorwegianCoastGuard ultimately had toboard andtakecontrol of prevent drillingbyoccupyingthesite Greenpeace continuedto followthedrill riginthe the vessel. Norwegian policeultimately drilling site. Greenpeacemembers againatt ( In Mayof2014,Greenpeaceusedthe arrested. divers tochainthesubstructu the In Mayof2014,Greenpeace continued its Rainbow Warrior involved inthisincident.Armed Dutc American CaptainPeterWillcox was between thehulloftankerandberth, deliberately triedto prevent thesafe mooring of thevessel, putting herself attempting tomoor uptothe dock, “t safety atsea aswell environmental safety.” Asthe Greenpeace breakthefundamental principl Chichin, described thereckless nature of boats toblock access to thedock.TheMasterof Transocean Spitsbergen Saturn Esperanza drillingplatform whileitsatintheImjuiden seaport. Greenpeace used andtowitoutofthedrilling Page 15of31 , securethevessel,andto ) onthehighseasnorthofNorway,en-routetoanArctic re oftherigsoitcouldnot Esperanza he Greenpeace vessel RainbowWarrior again among theGreenpeacemembers Greenpeace’s actions: had to arrestthe Greenpeacemembers. h anti-terrorpolice w itoutside theport. ached themselves totheunderside of actions againstGazprom, occupying risking theirpeopleandoftheport.” (and violating theestablished safety es ofinternationalconventions for area. Greenpeacesucceededin toboard aStatoildrilling rig Esperanza Mikhail Ulyanov, depart.Sixactivistswere Mikhail Ulyanov , andthentriedto had toboardthe “[t]he actions of Stanislav was was STOEL RIVES LLP 600 University Street, Suite 3600, Seattle, WA 98101 Main (206) 624-0900 Fax (206) 386-7500
Greenpeace officeswill“worktogether toward summer.” Shefurtheracknowledged thatGree Greenpeace USAwilldo“everything thatwecan of itsSavetheArcticcampaign, andstatedas Greenpeace USA’sExecutiveDirectorAnneLeonard Arctic in2015,includi 2015 globalcampaign stoporinterfere withShe to tortious andcriminal conduct. and toconductcommerce andexplorationwithin the EEZ,andonhighseas;a facilities, aircraftandpersonnelwhileinportor acts of trespass and nuisance; by intentionally endangering the safety of vessels, drilling exploration drillingintheAr in concertwith itagainintend pattern oftortiousandillegalactivity agains the summer of2015.
Case No.3:15-cv-00054-HRH Shell v.Greenpeace, Inc. VERIFIED COMPLAINT idUSKBN0EA1IS20140530 33. 32. 31. 3
See
http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/ Greenpeace USAisfinanciallysupporting, Greenpeace USAandthoseacting inconc Shell istheonlyentitythatwillbec at anestimated $1.26million perday. delaying Statoiloperationsbyalmost four ng directactionsagainstShellowne . ctic OceanOCSin2015bycommitti to disrupt,delay,and,ifpossibl Page 16of31 nd byotherwiseimpairing Shell’s t Shell in 2015. Greenpeace USA and those acting t Shellin2015.GreenpeaceUSAandthose npeace USA isactively workingwiththe other s onebig globalgoal” tostop Shell’s drilling part ofits2015ArcticCampaign kickoffthat while navigatinginterrit and ontheOCShighseasfreefrom 05/30/us-statoil-arctic-greenpeace- do tostopthatdrillingfromhappeningthis 3 ll’s abilitytoexploreforoilandgasinthe onducting Arcticoiland
has expressly identifiedShellasthe target days. ThecosttoStatoilwasreported endorsing, and participatinginthe ert withitarecontinuing thesame d orcontrolledvesselsin2015. e, preventShellfrom conducting ng on-the-water ornearshore right andabilitytonavigate orial waters,watersof gas explorationin STOEL RIVES LLP 600 University Street, Suite 3600, Seattle, WA 98101 Main (206) 624-0900 Fax (206) 386-7500
out explaining that“six bravepe rig from drillinginpristine waters.” might bewillingto“climb ananchorchainthroug extraordinary withusverysoon.”Greenpeace provi announced thattheywere“searchingtheglobe exploration program. vessels successful “directaction [byGreenpeace carry outthe“goalsidentifie protecting the oceanandI’llle . wehaveshipsandyoucandospecialthingswithwhencomes to means, Greenpeaceiswillingtodomore:“Greenpeace unlike many otherenvironmental groups thatmay Campaign thisyear.”GreenpeaceUSAExecutive with ships andGreenpeacehas outfittedthe protecting theArctic plans: “Greenpeaceallaroundtheworldhaveag Case No.3:15-cv-00054-HRH Shell v.Greenpeace, Inc. VERIFIED COMPLAINT 38. 37. 36. 35. 34. Nordica
On thatsameday,GreenpeaceUSA(andother offices)sentmessages On oraround March12, 2015,Greenpea Greenpeace hasexpressedanintentto(a To furtheritsthreat,GreenpeaceUSAis Greenpeace USAhaspublicallythreatenedth and Fennica is apriority.” from FinlandtotheUnitedStates ave itatthat..” d inGreenpeace’sGl Page 17of31 ople —peoplelikeyou USA] asacampaign tactic.” Arctic Sunrise foraboldgroupofpeopletodosomething h a water cannon blast” in order to “stop an oil h awatercannonblast”inorderto“stopanoil voice theirpolitical opposition through lawful reed thatstoppingdrillingintheArcticand ded aquiztoidentify obal Campaign Strategy,”andtoensure Director Leonard clearlyreaffirmed that can bringsome special things tothetable hiring an“ArcticCampaignDirector”to ce USA(andotherGreenpeaceoffices) — areontheirwayto gain) impedethetransitofsupport this winterto“faceanother Arctic at itwilldosome “specialthings” insupportofShells’2015Arctic potential recruitsthat a secret location, location, asecret STOEL RIVES LLP 600 University Street, Suite 3600, Seattle, WA 98101 Main (206) 624-0900 Fax (206) 386-7500
and hasreportedly beenarrested at leas Included amongthesesixvolunteersisAmerican Executive Director AnneLeonardhasdescribedth teams from differentGreenpeaceofficesfortheir boardinggroups. Smith (NewZealand); and Jens Lowe(Ger Friedrich (Austria),AliyahFi members from severaldifferentofficesaroundth people” onasecretmission were, infact,onthe before veeringaway. in thesun’s reflectionaheadofthe such asstoppingin conducting reconnaissance.Gr rigid inflatable boat from the Blue Marlin/PolarPioneer help their“secret plan”succeed. ready todosomething thatrequir Case No.3:15-cv-00054-HRH Shell v.Greenpeace, Inc. VERIFIED COMPLAINT 1018831.php greenpeace-prote/
41. 40. 39. 4
See
http://www.scpr.org/news/2011/06/07/27144/p . Greenpeace USAisdirectlyinvolved withthe operationon the On March24,Greenpeaceannounced thatitsspeciallyselected“sixbrave The Greenpeace vessel , and the path of the http://www.ctpost.com/news/article/A sincetheyleftMalaysia.On eld (UnitedStatesofAmerica) Esperanza Page 18of31 eenpeace’s reconnaissance included conductingvarious feigns es realcourage.”Thatmessage Blue Marlin Blue Marlin t twicein Greenpeace USAdirectactions. Esperanza and spent twohours circling the many). Greenpeace commonlyusesmultinational to seeif itwould change Esperanza AliyahField,whoworksforGreenpeaceUSA hasbeenstalkingthe e world:AndreasWildlund (Sweden),Miriam e sixmembers onboardas“ourvolunteers.” , andproceedingdirectlyatthe March23,2015Greenpeacelauncheda . ThesixpeopleincludeGreenpeace rotester-dressed-barbie-detained- ctivists-drop-in-on-power-station- ; ZoeLennox(Australia);Johno solicitedsupportandfundingto course,positioningitself Noble Discover Blue Marlin 4 Alsoincluded Esperanza Blue Marlin andthe and and
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“undercover ninja.” to back off to asafedistance.OnApril1, to backoff in thatgroupisJohnoSmith from NewZealand, Case No.3:15-cv-00054-HRH Shell v.Greenpeace, Inc. VERIFIED COMPLAINT USA identified astheir participants inan“extrao Esperanza to amember whowas ejectedinthe ultimately resultedinacollision, injuring twoGr to pushGreenpeaceinflatables offcourse.TheNavy’seffortstoenforcethesafetyzone Greenpeace tovacatethearea.ignored around theRepsoloilship 2014, Greenpeaceboatslaunchedfrom the similar Greenpeacedirect actionintheCanaryIsla as ameans ofimpeding, delaying situations for theGreenpeace activists, thecrew of Blue Marlin hours whiletheoccupantsofboatstookphotos. from the presented bythisacti within 1/2 nautical mile of the 5 44. 43. 42.
See Esperanza manned byGreenpeaceactivists, includingth
andthe
http://climbeverything.co.nz/ On April6,2015,Greenpeace again launchedth Among otherthings, Greenpeace’stactics On March26, 2015,Greenpeacere 5 . The twoboatscircledthe
on, theCaptainof Polar Pioneer Rowan Renaissance Page 19of31 and stoppingactivities Blue Marlin Blue areintendedto,anddoinfact,createextremely dangerous collision andstruckbyapropeller. .
Blue Marlin 2015, Greenpeacelaunched tworigidinflatableboats Arctic Sunrise . Becauseofthenavigationalsafetyhazards . TheSpanishNavyintercepted and instructed eenpeace members, includingoneseriousinjury Blue Marlin sumed itsfeigns,withthe who isaself-identifie thevessels theyboardandtheboardedvessels rdinary” directactionagainst Shell.Thesix nds resulted inserious injury. In November the verbal warningsandeffortsbytheNavy hadtoradiothe e sixexperiencedspecialists Greenpeace that Greenpeacehasta like thosebeingemployed againstthe inanefforttobreachthe safetyzone and ree rigid inflatableboatsfrom the Polar Pioneer d “contractclimber”and Esperanza Esperanza rgeted. Recently, fornearly two andinstructit closingto STOEL RIVES LLP 600 University Street, Suite 3600, Seattle, WA 98101 Main (206) 624-0900 Fax (206) 386-7500
Pioneer those vessels,asprimary vehiclesforitsdirect Greenpeace activists, including Greenpeace USAem Case No.3:15-cv-00054-HRH Shell v.Greenpeace, Inc. VERIFIED COMPLAINT navigation constraintsfacedbyla Sunrise Marlin bodily injury toGreenpeace activists. activities orbycreating suchriskthatessentia lawful activities (thereby causingharm totheirlawful interests) bydirectly impeding essential These intentional tortious actsareintended byGree extremist andrecklessconductinvolvinghuman and could beassured. Greenpeacehas awell-estab which thesafetyofneitherGreenpeaceactivis drilling activitiesandvessels,createsanunreas and intentionsillegallyaboar intent toremain indefinitely. recklessly aboardandoccupyingthe Greenpeace activists have restocked themselves from the continue totortiouslyoccupythe Ocean. Subsequently,thesesame activistswi and recklessly boardedthe andthe 46. 45. , whiletransiting and
Beluga In thesame manner inwhic The presenceofGreenpeaceactivists of Polar Pioneer , inconjunction withsmaller inflatable to andoperatinginthe ChukchiS Blue Marlin , Greenpeaceusesitsvessels,includingthe d, andotherwiseincloseproxim Page 20of31 rger vessels, especially the Polar Pioneer Blue Marlin whileunderwaytransitingon h italreadyhasusedthe actioncampaign. Given onably dangerousandunpredictablesituationin l activitiesareimpeded outoffearcausing llfully, unlawfullyandrecklesslyclimbed and lished institutional reputation and history for andthe ts nor the employees and contractors of Shell ts northeemployees andcontractors ofShell . Asof thefiling ofthiscomplaint, the npeace toforcevesselsalter,delay orstop marine blockades,and ployee AliyahField unknownandunascertainableexperience or rigidinflatableboatslaunchedfrom Polar Pioneer Esperanza ea duetotheirsize,sea ice,and NobleDiscoverer ity toShell’s2015exploration Esperanza the highseasofPacific , remain unlawfullyand the maneuverability and Rainbow , and have stated their , andhavestatedtheir willfully, unlawfully reckless boardings. against the
Warrior and the Polar , Artic Blue STOEL RIVES LLP 600 University Street, Suite 3600, Seattle, WA 98101 Main (206) 624-0900 Fax (206) 386-7500
the attempt toseize orexercise operation ofavesselin 18 U.S.C.§1363;theprohibitiononnegligently ope injuring andattempting toinjure Collisions atSea(“COLREGS”)33U.S.C. laws andregulationsoftheUnitedStates,includi illegal andtortiousactionsviol exploration ofitsUnitedStatesOCSleasesinth lives, andirreparableharmtolawfulcommerce. present conduct ofGreenpeacedemonstratesonly vessels (includinginflatables),su meteorological conditions, effort Case No.3:15-cv-00054-HRH Shell v.Greenpeace, Inc. VERIFIED COMPLAINT Discoverer and Guard toestablish“temporarysafetyzones”aroundthe threatening. path ofthesevesselswhile undertowora buoys placed on and connecting totheOCSseab buoys placedonandconnecting those vessels orlocations targets); (b)theywill threatened direct actions because:(a)theywill 2012, these2015safetyzoneswill not provide sufficientprotection from Greenpeace’s
certain othervesselswhileoperati 48. 47.
and the Greenpeace’s actionsandthreatened act As wasthecasewithits2012explorati PolarPioneer 46 U.S.C.§2302; ate andthreatentoviolate,amongotherthings,numerousfederal Page 21of31 control,overashipby forceor s byGreenpeacetoboardorbloc any structure,conveyanceorothe bmersibles, drones,kayaksor whileengagedinexploration ng inspecifiedlocations2015. the prohibitiononseizureor not coverall vessels or locations (thereby making § 1602;theprohibitionon ssist, areextremely dange notextendtothefullreachofanchorsand e ArcticOceanthroughaseriesofstageddirect ng: theInternationalRegulationsforPreventing contempt forsafetyzones, endangerment of ed toholdinplaceandstabilizethe rating avesselorinterferingwiththesafe on program, ShellhasaskedtheCoast NobleDiscoverer, ions tostopShellfrom engagingin human divers,ortoblockthe drilling; and(c)thepast threatoranyotherform of r realorpersonalpropertyin kade therigs withsmaller Butaswasthecasein rous andpossiblylife- exerciseofcontrol,or willful andmalicious the PolarPioneer, Noble STOEL RIVES LLP 600 University Street, Suite 3600, Seattle, WA 98101 Main (206) 624-0900 Fax (206) 386-7500
program. day isofvitalimportan Given theextentofShell’s reported inthepress, the costsforthe2015progr exploratory drillingoffshoreinAlas endangerment ofthevessels,aircraft, andthecr and threatened actionsalsoconstitutesreckless zones establishedbytheUnitedStatesCoastGu 18 U.S.C.§1366(c);and theprohibition onviolati $5,000, ortocauseasignificantinterr conduct, andtosupport,explor to damage theproperty ofanener U.S.C. §2280;theprohibition onknowinglyand w intimidation, ortocausedamage toashipwhichislikelyendangeritssafe navigationin18 Case No.3:15-cv-00054-HRH Shell v.Greenpeace, Inc. VERIFIED COMPLAINT 1608. TheCOLREGS set forthaseriesofrules Collisions atSea,also known astheCOLREG paragraphs 1through50 50. 49. 52. 51.
Shell hasinvestedaconsiderableam Shell hasnospeedyoradequateremedyatlaw. The UnitedStateshasadoptedtheInte Shell re-allegesandincorporatesbyre Intentional TortiousInterfere Intentional of thisComplaint. ce toShellinit investment andtheshortsumme ation drillinginth Page 22of31 V. CAUSES OF ACTION CAUSES OF V. gy facilityinanamount that ka. Todate,thatinvestment isapproximately $7billion.As First CauseofAction: uption orimpairment ofafunc s abilitytosuccessfully S, whichareadoptedpursuant 33U.S.C.§§ 1601- nce with Maritime Navigation Maritime nce with endangerment oftheenvironment, andreckless ard in33C.F.R.§147.1. ews owned,employed orc e ChukchiSeaonShell’sOCSleases. illfully damaging orattempting orconspiring am aloneare expectedtoexceed $1billion. ons ofthe requirements oftemporary safety that vesselsmust followinorderto avoid ount ofresourcesinordertoconduct ference theallegationscontainedin rnational RegulationsforPreventing r drillingwindow,eachandevery in factexceedsor would exceed complete the2015drilling tion ofanenergyfacilityin Greenpeace’sactions ontracted toShell to
STOEL RIVES LLP 600 University Street, Suite 3600, Seattle, WA 98101 Main (206) 624-0900 Fax (206) 386-7500
interfering withthe with theseandothervessels du Discoverer of theforegoingif“likelyto any oftheforegoing,abetscommission ofany art.3,§1(b)-(c).Anoffenseis SUA Convention, damage toa shipor toitscargo which islikely to if thatact is likely toendanger th unlawfully andintentionally:.(b)performs an SUA Convention,4thpreamble. undermine theconfidence ofthepeoples ofthe wo safety of personsand property,seriously affect theoperationof maritime services,and SUA recognizesthat “unlawful actsagainst thesafety ofmaritime navigation jeopardize the Mar. 6,1995)(hereinaft 1992; ratifiedbytheUnitedStatesonDec.6, Treaty Doc.No.101-1,1678U.N.T.S.29004,27I.L. collisions, tostayoutof oneanother’spath,and Case No.3:15-cv-00054-HRH Shell v.Greenpeace, Inc. VERIFIED COMPLAINT Unlawful ActsAgainsttheSa such asavesselengagedintowingoperation. driven vesselshallkeepoutofth require vessels to avoid collisio 54. 53.
, the , the Greenpeace, including Greenpeace USA, ha The UnitedStateshasalsoadoptedtheConventionforSuppressionof Nordica Polar Pioneer , the er “SUAConvention”). endanger thesafenavigationofship.”Art.3, §2. fety ofMaritime Navigation, Fennica Page 23of31 ring otherstagesofthe 2015e ns, orrisksofcollisions,a e safenavigationofthatship;or e way ofavessel that isrestri The SUAConventionmakes itanoffenseifa“person and , andthe Blue Marlin 1994, andenteredintoforcebyUnitedStateson actofviolence against to navigatesafely.Fo endangerthesafenavigati also committedifapersonattempts tocommit Harvey Explorer See of theforegoing,orthreatenstocommit any , andis threatening tocontinue tointerfere rld inthesafetyofmaritime navigation.” 18U.S.C.§2280(implementing SUA). M. 668(1988)(enteredintoforceMar.1, s previouslyinterferedwith the concluded atRome nd Rule 18 providesthatapower xploration drillingprogram by, cted inits abilitytomaneuver, (c)destroysashiporcauses . GreenpeaceUSAisnow r example, Rules7and8 a persononboardship on ofthatship..” Mar. 10,1988,S. Noble STOEL RIVES LLP 600 University Street, Suite 3600, Seattle, WA 98101 Main (206) 624-0900 Fax (206) 386-7500
among otherthings,hostileboardingsandoccupati Case No.3:15-cv-00054-HRH Shell v.Greenpeace, Inc. VERIFIED COMPLAINT possession of,interfereswithpo chattel or intermeddles withthe chattel. Adefe paragraphs 1through57 with it,areaviolationunderadmiralty and and contractorsatrisk which willcreate irreparable andother financial in or operatingwithinU.S.territor Marlin USA, intendtoandwillcontinueinterfere withthesafe navigationof the and otherwiseconstituteunlaw while innavigablewatersareflagrantdi when suchvesselsarerestricted associated equipment anddiversatunsafelocations operations, blockingthe safe pathof vessels, right orinterest. andothervesselsownedorope 59. 58. 57. 56. 55.
A defendant is liablefor trespass tochattelsif itdispossesses another of the Shell re-allegesandincorporatesbyre Greenpeace USA’sthreatenedactions, andth If notenjoined,Greenpeace USA,andt Greenpeace’s threatened actionstoblocka of seriousinjury. of thisComplaint. Trespass andtoChattels ful obstructionorinterferen ial waters,theOCS, watersofth Page 24of31 in their ability to maneuver. ssession of,orispr Second CauseofAction: rated byoronbehalf ofShell maritime law,andfederalstatutorylaw. sregard oftheCOLREGS,andSUAConvention and positioning theirownpow ndant isliable for trespass jury toShell, andplace itsemployees, agents, on ofunsafelocations esent uponanother’spr nearand directlyin fr hose actinginconcert withGreenpeace ference theallegationscontainedin ce withmaritime navigation. de or blockthepathofthese vessels e actionsofthoseactinginconcert e EEZ,andthehighseas,allof and located inaU.S.ports ont ofvesselsattimes operty withoutlawful to propertyifittakes er-driven vesselsand Polar Pioneer,Blue vessels thatimpede STOEL RIVES LLP 600 University Street, Suite 3600, Seattle, WA 98101 Main (206) 624-0900 Fax (206) 386-7500
agents, andcontractorsat ri Shell’s OCSleasesites,allofwhichwillcreate operation ofvesselsand facilities,including ai otherwise physicallyoccupying, vessels or facilities, chaining or and intendtowillcommit addi continue to commit trespass and trespass tochattels tothe withdraw. Thesecommunicationsha Esperanza Marlin accomplished constitutetrespass Harbor, Alaskaorelsewhere, operation ofvesselsandfaciliti otherwise physicallyoccupying, vessels or facilities, chaining or Shell’s explorationactivities in the Arctic Greenpeace isnowthreatening tocommit further boarded and occupiedthe reckless boardingandnowoccupythe Case No.3:15-cv-00054-HRH Shell v.Greenpeace, Inc. VERIFIED COMPLAINT , theCaptainof 63. 62. 61. 60.
that itscrewareillegally,unsafelyandr If notenjoined,Greenpeace USA,andt Since Greenpeace activists boarded and occupiedthe These actions andthreatenedactions Greenpeace, includingGreenpeace USA, haveengaged in ahostile, unlawful and Noble Discoverer sk ofseriousinjury. Blue Marlin Page 25of31 located onterritorialwaters,theOC or trespasstochattels. contacting, damaging, orimpeding contacting, damaging, orimpeding es, whetherlocatedatdocks securingpersonstoanchors, securingpersonstoanchors, tional actsof trespass and trespass to chattels by boarding ve beenignoredbyGreenpeace. Polar Pioneer hasrepeatedly communicatedtotheGreenpeace vessel Ocean onitsUnited States OCSleases,byboarding , the financial injurytoShell,andplaceitsemployees, rport operationsinBarrow,andbyoccupying Nordica ecklessly trespassing,a trespasses tostop,delay,orinterfere with by Greenpeace areultrahazardous, andif and the , the hose actinginconcertwithit,will Polar Pioneer Fennica Blue Marlin in Seattle,Washington, Dutch vessels, orfacilities,by vessels, orfacilities,by S, theEEZ,orhighseas. Shell’s possession,use,and Shell’s possession,use,and Polar Pioneer , andthe nd demanded thatthey , andhavepreviously and the Harvey Explorer and the Blue Marlin Blue , . STOEL RIVES LLP 600 University Street, Suite 3600, Seattle, WA 98101 Main (206) 624-0900 Fax (206) 386-7500
common law,andstatelaw. in concertwithit,areatrespassor trespassto Case No.3:15-cv-00054-HRH Shell v.Greenpeace, Inc. VERIFIED COMPLAINT the obstruc intentionally andknowingly and useofitsOCSleases. threatens tosubstantially interfer unreasonable interferencewiththeuse paragraphs 1through64 vessels, positioning theirownvessels and associ unsafe locationsonvessels thatimpede operati EEZ, orthehighseas.Thesethre Washington, DutchHarbor,Alaska Shell from exercising its OCSleaserights. These th operated byoronbehalf threatens tointerferewithfree now interfering withfree pa Noble Discoverer, 64. 69. 68. 67. 66. 65.
Greenpeace USA’sactions andthreatenedac In 2012,GreenpeaceUSA attempted tointerfere withShell’sOCSleaserightsby Greenpeace USAisengagedinacourseof Shell hasarealproperty in A defendant isliablefor private nuisance whentheycreate a substantial and Shell re-allegesandincorporatesbyre the of thisComplaint. of Shell,includingthe Nordica ssage andoperationofthe passage andoperationoftheother Page 26of31 e withShell’sexercise ofitsOCS lease rights,anditsaccessto , the atened actswillincludehos Third Cause ofAction: Third Cause or elsewhere, orlocated onterritorialwaters,the OCS,the ting andinterferingwiththe or enjoyment ofrealproperty. Private Nuisance Fennica terest initsOCSleases. chattels underadmiralty and maritime law,federal Noble Discoverer andthe ons, blockadingvessels, blockingthepathof ated equipment andhuman divers atunsafe reatened acts, willoccur atdocks inSeattle, BlueMarlin Harvey Explorer. ference theallegationscontainedin conductthatisintendedtoand tions, andtheactionsofthoseacting tile boardingsandoccupationof , free passageandoperationof
vessels andaircraftownedor for thepurposeof preventing and the GreenpeaceUSAis PolarPioneer and STOEL RIVES LLP 600 University Street, Suite 3600, Seattle, WA 98101 Main (206) 624-0900 Fax (206) 386-7500
and willcommitprivatenuisanceinte other tortiousandunlawfulactions. locations near thepath of vesselsand facilitie Case No.3:15-cv-00054-HRH Shell v.Greenpeace, Inc. VERIFIED COMPLAINT oil andgasintheArctic. Thisconcertedac and otherGreenpeacenational officesinaninte liable, notallmembers oftheconspiracyneedbe or aid that personincommitting a tort. Inorde results indamage. may beliable Aperson also action, intend toaccomplish some unlawfulobjec paragraphs 1through71 state law. in concertwithit,areanuisa agents, andcontractorsatri Shell’s OCSleasesites,allofwhichwillcreate operation ofvesselsand facilities,including ai otherwise physicallyoccupying, boarding vesselsorfacilities,chainingsecuringpe 70. 74. 73. 72. 71.
If notenjoined,Greenpeace USA,andthoseacting inconcert withit, intendto Greenpeace USAisactinginaconcertedaction withGreenpeaceInternational A civilconspiracy exists wheretwoor Shell re-allegesandincorporatesbyre Greenpeace USA’sactions andthreatenedac of thisComplaint. sk ofseriousinjury. nce underadmiralty andmaritime law,federalcommonand Page 27of31 contacting, damaging, orimpeding Fourth CauseofAction: rfering withShell’saccess toand useofitsOCSleasesby Civil Conspiracy tion includesthepresent a s oronvesselsandfacilities, orbyengagingin financial injurytoShell,andplaceitsemployees, for theactions ofanotherwherethey encourage rport operationsinBarrow,andbyoccupying rnational campaigntoStop Shellexploringfor named orbejoinedasdefendants. defendants r for one member of acivil conspiracy to be tive forthepurposeofharming anotherwhich rsons toanchors,vessels,orfacilities,by more persons,whobysome concerted
ference theallegationscontainedin tions, andtheactionsofthoseacting Shell’s possession,use,and nd ongoing tortious actions nd ongoingtortiousactions STOEL RIVES LLP 600 University Street, Suite 3600, Seattle, WA 98101 Main (206) 624-0900 Fax (206) 386-7500
Shell, andplace itsemployees, agents, andc interfering withsafenavigation,a OCS, watersoftheEEZ,andhighseas, by oronbehalfofShellandlocate chattels, and nuisance,againstShell’svessels,faci to conductongoingtortiousactions,andwillfu for suchdirectaction. to takedirectactionagainst tortious actionsagainst Noble Discoverer against the Case No.3:15-cv-00054-HRH Shell v.Greenpeace, Inc. VERIFIED COMPLAINT the vessels active concert andparticipationwith Greenpeace (A) commanding that Greenpeace, Inc. itsagents, WHEREFORE, Shellrequests the following relief: servants, employees,andallothersactinginac trespassing onanysuch vessel, proper territorial waters, theOCS,watersofEEZ,a owned oroperatedbyonbehalfofShelland lo Inc., from engagingintortiousan 75. 1.
Polar Pioneer Blue Marlin If notenjoined, GreenpeaceUSAanditsc Entry oftemporary, preliminary, andpermanent injunctiverelief, , the Nordica Shell in2015. GreenpeaceUSAalsoencouragesandendorses,others and and the Shell’s Arcticdrillingoperations Polar Pioneer VI. REQUEST VI. REQUEST FOR RELIEF , the Page 28of31 d illegal actions against vessels, BlueMarlin ll ofwhichwillcreateboth irre d inaU.S.portsoroperatingwith Fennica ty, orfacility,(ii)tortiously ontractors atriskof , and(B)prohibitingGreenpeaceInc.,itsagents, , andthe , and further intendtocommit maritime tortsby
past tortiousofacts tive concertandparticipationwith Greenpeace nd thehighseasincluding(i) breaking intoor Inc.,immediately withdraw from andvacate lities, aircraftandprop cated inaU.S.portoroperatingwithin servants, employees,andallothers actingin Harvey Explorer rther tortiousacts oftrespass,trespassto onspirators intendtoandwillcontinue , andsolicitscollectsfunding seriousinjury. or illegally interfering withthe parable andfinancialinjury to facilities, aircraftandproperty in U.S.territorial waters,the unlawfultrespassonthe , andthreatenedsimilar erty ownedoroperated STOEL RIVES LLP 600 University Street, Suite 3600, Seattle, WA 98101 Main (206) 624-0900 Fax (206) 386-7500
. Anawardofanyotherandfurther relief, 6. Court deems just and equitable. others; and antics arebothwillfulandgrossly acting inconcert; economic harm toShellasaresultoftortious resulting from thetortiousactions of Gree proceeding paragraphs; criminal contempt sanctionsforanyviolationof aeyzns safety zones; and allothersactinginactiveconcertorpartic the highseas, andfurther enjoining Greenpeace Inc.,itsagents, servants, employees, affiliates located inaU.S.portoroperating on, orastheyenterexit,anysu endangering orthreatening anyemployee or visitor blocking, or preventing accesstooregressfrom any movement, progress,oroperation Case No.3:15-cv-00054-HRH Shell v.Greenpeace, Inc. VERIFIED COMPLAINT by oronbehalfofShellinc safety zonesaroundandoveressentialvessels,faci . Anawardofpunitivedamages because 5. 4. 3. 2.
An awardofdamages includingincide Entry oftemporary,preliminary, andperm Entry oftemporary,preliminary, andperm onnection withexplorationof its Page 29of31 ch vessel,facility,orproperty; negligent, and demonstrate acallo within U.S.territorialwaters, of anysuchvessel,property, npeace Inc.andtheindividualdefendants, ipation withGreenpeaceInc.,from enteringthese actions byotherswithwhom GreenpeaceInc. is the provisionsofinjunctionsetforthin lities, aircraftandpropertyownedoroperated of Shellor anyof its affiliates whoispresent such vessel,property, or facility;and(iv) includingcostsand attorney fees,asthe Greenpeace Inc.’s tortious andunlawful ntal damages foralleconomic harm anent injunctive relief, and civiland anent injunctive relief, establishing the OCS,watersofEEZ,and UnitedStatesOCSleasesand or facility,(i us disregardfortherightsof ii) barricading, STOEL RIVES LLP 600 University Street, Suite 3600, Seattle, WA 98101 Main (206) 624-0900 Fax (206) 386-7500
Case No.3:15-cv-00054-HRH Shell v.Greenpeace, Inc. VERIFIED COMPLAINT DATED: April7,2015. Page 30of31 STOEL RIVES y /JfryW ep By: s/JeffreyW. Leppo Attorneys for Plaintiff (Alaska BarNo.0912084) Ryan P.Steen (Alaska BarNo.0001003) Jeffrey W. Leppo LLP
VERIFICATION
I, Michael J. Battle, am fully authorized, on behalf of Shell Offshore Inc. and Shell Gulf of Mexico Inc. (collectively "Shell"), to make this verification. The facts set forth in the foregoing Verified Complaint are not all within my personal knowledge, but the information contained therein is drawn from the personal knowledge of the persons whose declarations have previously been filed in this proceeding, and from pertinent business records and information supplied by individuals whom Shell relies upon in the ordinary course of business. Based thereon, I am infmmed and believe that all of the facts in the foregoing Verified Complaint are true and correct. I verify under penalty ofpe1jury that the foregoing is true and correct.
EXECUTED on April7, 2015.
Signature: ~
VERIFIED COMPLAINT Shell v. Greenpeace, Inc. Page 31 of31