South Africa’s Constitutional Court on Friday ruled Shell cannot renew its
offshore exploration rights near the Wild Coast in the Indian Ocean, ending a
five‑year legal dispute with environmental activists. The litigation began in
2021 after activists opposed seismic surveys by Shell and a local partner in
waters frequented by whales. The decision arrives as other South African
offshore projects face legal challenges and neighbouring Namibia advances
development of an oil discovery near the maritime border, and may further
embolden activists who have won multiple suits against oil explorers.
