Ugandan farmers have filed a lawsuit in the UK seeking to halt the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) before the project begins production.
The legal action introduces a new layer of execution risk for CNOOC Ltd, which holds a significant stake in the pipeline alongside partner TotalEnergies.
Handelsavisen Monitor flagged the development as a new relationship event linking the two companies through this emerging legal challenge.
The lawsuit represents a direct challenge to the project's timeline and operational viability.
While the pipeline has faced environmental and social scrutiny for years, this specific legal move in a UK court could complicate financing and regulatory approvals.
For investors, the key question is whether the litigation will result in an injunction that delays first oil or increases compliance costs.