Story perspectives

Shell Operates Leak-Prone Nigerian Pipeline Despite Red Risk

6/3/2026

Summary

Story summary

Shell kept the 96.5-km Nembe Creek Trunk Line operating in Nigeria despite an internal “red” risk classification.
The line moves about 150,000 barrels daily, is linked to over 100 leaks (2011-2013) and underlies a $1 billion lawsuit.
October 2008 emails reveal Markus Droll warned an attack could force shutdown, yet executives kept the flow running.
UN data record 13 million barrels spilled in 7,000 incidents since 1958, devastating Bille’s fishing and periwinkle supplies.

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Story summary

Shell kept the 96.5-km Nembe Creek Trunk Line operating in Nigeria despite an internal “red” risk classification.
The line moves about 150,000 barrels daily, is linked to over 100 leaks (2011-2013) and underlies a $1 billion lawsuit.
October 2008 emails reveal Markus Droll warned an attack could force shutdown, yet executives kept the flow running.
UN data record 13 million barrels spilled in 7,000 incidents since 1958, devastating Bille’s fishing and periwinkle supplies.