The vessel that was sent to conduct Shell’s seismic survey along the ecologically sensitive Wild Coast has reportedly returned to the Port of Cape Town on Monday, January 3.
Pictures of the Amazon Warrior, heading to the Cape was shared all over social media after Shell was ordered by the Grahamstown High Court in Makhanda to halt their plans to continue with its seismic survey.
According to the ruling by Judge Gerald Bloem on Tuesday, December 28 the multinational oil and gas company had to stop with the survey which kicked off on December 2 after it was deemed as devastating to the marine environment and harmful to the communities’ rights.
Meanwhile, Shell said in a statement that they respect the court decision in relation to the Wild Coast survey and has suspended the survey while they review the judgement.
“We aim to minimise the impact of our projects on the environment and to be a good neighbour wherever we work, by contributing to the well-being of neighbouring communities.
“We work closely with them to manage the social impacts of our business activities, address any concerns about our operations, and enhance the benefits that we are able to bring,” the statement said.
Shell has also already faced nationwide backlash following the seismic announcement with many South Africans protesting the action. More than 379 000 individuals have signed an online petition.
Read more:
Here’s what marine experts have to say about the impact of Shell’s seismic blasting
Picture: Facebook
