Jalla & Anor v Shell International Trading and Shipping Co Ltd & Anor [2023] UKSC 16 – 10 May 2023 (Reed LJ, Briggs LJ, Kitchin LJ, Sales LJ, Burrows LJ)

Supreme Court
Written By Louise Glover

Following a major oil spill off the Nigerian coast in 2011, land owners claimed in private nuisance for damage to their land, alleging that as the oil remained uncleaned, the nuisance was ongoing and the limitation period re-started daily.  Confirming the Courts below, the   Supreme Court ruled that the spill was a single event, and the tort was complete once the oil impacted the Claimants' land. The Claimants' argument was rejected as it would undermine the law on limitation by extending the time bar indefinitely.

Louise Glover
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