popular articles

Russia: Shell targeted by a lawsuit over its activities in Sakhalin

Russia has filed a lawsuit against several Shell entities for energy projects on Sakhalin Island. This initiative could reflect an attempt to consolidate national resources after the company’s withdrawal in 2022.

Please share:

The lawsuit filed by the Office of the Prosecutor General of Russia against several Shell entities, revealed by documents from the Moscow Arbitration Court, targets eight units of the British energy company. Among these are Shell Global Solutions International B.V., Shell Exploration and Production Services B.V., Shell International Exploration and Production B.V., and Shell Sakhalin Services B.V. UK-based subsidiaries as well as Shell Neftegaz Development LLC in Russia are also among the defendants.

The lawsuit also involves several third parties, such as Gazprom Export, the Russian Ministry of Energy, Sakhalin Energy LLC, and the government of the Sakhalin region, indicating broad support for this legal initiative from regional and national authorities.

Shell’s withdrawal and strategic impact

This case seems to be set against the backdrop of Shell’s withdrawal from the Russian market in 2022, following the invasion of Ukraine. Before its withdrawal, Shell held significant stakes in strategic energy projects, including the Sakhalin-2 liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant, managed by Gazprom. In response to Western sanctions, Russia tightened its control over this facility, which accelerated Shell’s decision to leave the country and disengage from projects such as Nord Stream 2.

Objective and geopolitical context

The precise objective of this lawsuit remains unclear, as no details on the reasons or compensations demanded have been specified. However, it is likely an attempt by Russia to regain full control of energy assets once held by Shell and to consolidate its position in the energy sector after the departure of Western companies.

Consequences for energy relations

Strategically, this initiative could be seen as a direct response to international economic sanctions. It also demonstrates Russia’s willingness to protect its national resources. The tense geopolitical context and the strategic importance of Sakhalin Island, rich in energy resources, make this case particularly sensitive for commercial and energy relations between Russia and the remaining foreign companies.

Register free of charge for uninterrupted access.

Publicite

Recently published in

Nigeria introduces a tax credit capped at 20% for oil operators meeting cost reduction targets, with a focus on gas and offshore projects.
Four renewable energy producers have been authorised to sell 400 MW directly to Egyptian industrial companies without public support.
Four renewable energy producers have been authorised to sell 400 MW directly to Egyptian industrial companies without public support.
Following the withdrawal of two British companies, Morocco launches a MAD2.5mn ($270,000) expert mission to boost the appeal of its offshore oil and gas sector.
Following the withdrawal of two British companies, Morocco launches a MAD2.5mn ($270,000) expert mission to boost the appeal of its offshore oil and gas sector.
AMEA Power has completed the commissioning of a 500MW wind power plant in Ras Ghareb, bringing its total deployed capacity in Egypt to 1GW within six months.
AMEA Power has completed the commissioning of a 500MW wind power plant in Ras Ghareb, bringing its total deployed capacity in Egypt to 1GW within six months.
Royal Vopak’s Indian joint venture rose nearly 3% on its first trading day in Mumbai, reaching an implied valuation of €2.7bn ($2.93bn).
Austrian group OMV has confirmed a major investment in a green hydrogen production unit in Lower Austria, aimed at securing its Schwechat refinery operations by the end of 2027.
Austrian group OMV has confirmed a major investment in a green hydrogen production unit in Lower Austria, aimed at securing its Schwechat refinery operations by the end of 2027.
Gazprom increased its daily natural gas exports to Europe via the TurkStream subsea pipeline, reaching 46 million cubic metres per day in May, according to Reuters calculations.
Gazprom increased its daily natural gas exports to Europe via the TurkStream subsea pipeline, reaching 46 million cubic metres per day in May, according to Reuters calculations.
Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power signed a 26-month contract to assess a site in Uganda’s Buyende region for its first nuclear reactor, in compliance with International Atomic Energy Agency standards.
Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power signed a 26-month contract to assess a site in Uganda’s Buyende region for its first nuclear reactor, in compliance with International Atomic Energy Agency standards.
The Shafag 11 project in Jabrayil, backed by BP, SOCAR and the Azerbaijan Investment Company, secures a $200mn commitment at the Caspian Oil and Gas Exhibition.
Naftogaz will fund the purchase of new drilling platforms through a €36.4mn loan from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, following a sharp decline in gas production due to Russian strikes.
Naftogaz will fund the purchase of new drilling platforms through a €36.4mn loan from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, following a sharp decline in gas production due to Russian strikes.
Natural gas combined with carbon capture achieves emission levels comparable to wind and solar power, positioning itself as an economical alternative to renewables despite intermittency and high battery storage costs.
Natural gas combined with carbon capture achieves emission levels comparable to wind and solar power, positioning itself as an economical alternative to renewables despite intermittency and high battery storage costs.
Global biodiesel and bio-LNG supply struggles to keep pace with rising maritime demand, posing an immediate risk to the sector’s emissions reduction targets.
Global biodiesel and bio-LNG supply struggles to keep pace with rising maritime demand, posing an immediate risk to the sector’s emissions reduction targets.
US investment fund Davidson Kempner has reached an agreement to acquire Swire Energy Services, a provider of offshore equipment, strengthening its position in the global energy market.
International Petroleum Corporation repurchased 89,200 common shares between 26 and 30 May under its buyback programme compliant with Canadian and European regulations.
International Petroleum Corporation repurchased 89,200 common shares between 26 and 30 May under its buyback programme compliant with Canadian and European regulations.
Flex LNG has finalised a $175 mn lease financing for its Flex Courageous vessel, generating $42 mn in net proceeds as part of a financial restructuring plan announced earlier this year.
Flex LNG has finalised a $175 mn lease financing for its Flex Courageous vessel, generating $42 mn in net proceeds as part of a financial restructuring plan announced earlier this year.
EDF is challenging the legality of the nuclear contract awarded to KHNP, citing potential South Korean state support in violation of EU rules, leading to a temporary suspension of the Dukovany II project.
EDF is challenging the legality of the nuclear contract awarded to KHNP, citing potential South Korean state support in violation of EU rules, leading to a temporary suspension of the Dukovany II project.
A report by Ember shows ASEAN could supply nearly one-third of its data centres with wind and solar power by 2030 without storage, provided appropriate public policies are implemented.
US energy companies reduced the number of active rigs for the fifth consecutive week, reaching their lowest level since November 2021, according to data published by Baker Hughes.
US energy companies reduced the number of active rigs for the fifth consecutive week, reaching their lowest level since November 2021, according to data published by Baker Hughes.
The 102 MW wind project in Québec secures structured loans from Canadian banks, marking a new stage for the joint venture between Innergex and the Mi'gmaq communities.
The 102 MW wind project in Québec secures structured loans from Canadian banks, marking a new stage for the joint venture between Innergex and the Mi'gmaq communities.
Sempra Infrastructure has received approval from U.S. authorities to export 13.5 Mtpa of liquefied natural gas to countries without free trade agreements, marking a key step in developing the Port Arthur LNG Phase 2 terminal.
Sempra Infrastructure has received approval from U.S. authorities to export 13.5 Mtpa of liquefied natural gas to countries without free trade agreements, marking a key step in developing the Port Arthur LNG Phase 2 terminal.
EOG Resources finalises a $5.6bn acquisition of 675,000 net acres from Encino Acquisition Partners, consolidating its strategic position in the Utica formation and increasing its dividend by 5 %.
The US Department of Energy has cancelled 24 projects funded under the Biden administration, citing their lack of profitability and alignment with national energy priorities.
The US Department of Energy has cancelled 24 projects funded under the Biden administration, citing their lack of profitability and alignment with national energy priorities.
In the United States, the carbon black market faces unprecedented fluctuations in the first half of 2025, driven by declining industrial demand and persistent raw material volatility, casting doubts over the sector's future stability.
In the United States, the carbon black market faces unprecedented fluctuations in the first half of 2025, driven by declining industrial demand and persistent raw material volatility, casting doubts over the sector's future stability.
In May 2025, natural gas demand for electricity generation in the United States declined, influenced by cooler weather conditions and a significant increase in solar generation.
In May 2025, natural gas demand for electricity generation in the United States declined, influenced by cooler weather conditions and a significant increase in solar generation.

Advertising