Rosebank awaits fresh UK decision after unlawful approval ruling

Rosebank is awaiting a fresh UK government decision after a court ruled its original approval unlawful, with ministers expected to decide before Christmas whether the North Atlantic oil field can begin production. The decision follows the government’s approval of the Jackdaw gas field and will shape a wider debate over energy security, jobs and climate policy.

The BBC reported after visiting the field’s floating production vessel, moored about 80 miles north-west of Shetland. The Petrojarl Rosebank has 122 people on board, including workers who say they value the job and want the project to proceed. Production supervisor Douglas Hogge said approval would allow him and many colleagues to work on the field until retirement.

Rosebank’s owners estimate it holds between 300 million and 500 million barrels, potentially enough for about 25 years of production. Adura, which operates the field and owns 80%, says its gas could be piped to Shetland and on to Aberdeenshire, with the potential to heat 500,000 British homes at peak production. Ithaca Energy holds the remaining 20% interest.

The original consent was granted in 2023. In 2025, the Court of Session ruled that approvals for Rosebank and the Jackdaw gas field were unlawful because they had not taken account of emissions from burning the fuels. The court allowed preparatory work to continue while updated environmental assessments were considered. The consultation on the revised proposals closed in August.

On Wednesday, the government approved production at Jackdaw. Rosebank is larger and, according to the BBC, would produce higher greenhouse gas emissions and could be more lucrative for its owners. The offshore regulator’s project page listed Rosebank as under review in July. The BBC said sources expected a government decision before Christmas.

Supporters say Rosebank could provide gas for UK homes and generate tax revenue. Adura chief executive Neil McCulloch said approval could also help pave the way for four further gas developments west of Shetland. Campaigners oppose that prospect. Tessa Khan, executive director of Uplift, said the UK’s energy future lay in renewables and argued that approving Rosebank would worsen climate change.

If approved, oil would be shipped to international markets, likely for refining in continental Europe, while gas would be sent to Shetland and Aberdeenshire. The project’s future now depends on the government’s assessment of the revised proposals after the court ruling.