Rosebank oil field decision looms as workers await government ruling

The Rosebank oil field in the North Atlantic has become the focal point of a significant political and environmental debate, with a decision on production consent expected before Christmas. The site, located 80 miles north west of Shetland, is currently the subject of intense scrutiny following the UK government’s recent approval of gas production at the nearby Jackdaw field. Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh is set to make the final determination on Rosebank, a project that is larger than Jackdaw and carries higher greenhouse gas emissions. The outcome will determine whether the field’s owners, Adura and Ithaca, can proceed with operations that could be highly lucrative for the companies involved.

The installation is a floating production, storage and offloading vessel named the Petrojarl Rosebank, chartered by the field’s owners from Aberdeen-based Altera. Unlike the fixed platform at Jackdaw, this large ship is moored in the North Atlantic and is designed to rotate around a fixed central point called the turret to face into the weather. During a 48-hour visit, the vessel was observed constantly but gently rolling on the swell. Lead mechanical technician Ewan Leonard noted that the winter weather presents a challenge, citing a 30-metre heave experienced recently. Altera CEO Chris Brett described the environment west of Shetland as among the harshest in the world, a sentiment echoed by the crew who must maintain steady legs and strong stomachs to work in such conditions.

Life on board the Petrojarl Rosebank involves a strict routine of two weeks at sea followed by three weeks’ leave. The 122 people on board have access to single-man cabins, gym facilities, and recreational rooms. Production supervisor Douglas Hogge highlighted the quality of the facilities, including a sauna and the ability to get fresh air. The food on board was described as excellent by multiple crew members, with chefs preparing varied dishes such as braised ox cheek, mackerel, and pork loin for all shifts. Steward Liam Davidson expressed a particular desire to see his French bulldog, Bailey, at the end of his shift, while helideck manager Nicola Boyd looked forward to her double bed and a pizza delivery upon returning to shore.

The political context surrounding Rosebank is complex. Consent for production was first granted under the Conservative government in 2023. However, in 2025, the Court of Session in Edinburgh ruled that the approvals for Rosebank and Jackdaw were unlawful because they had failed to account for the climate impact of burning the fossil fuels. Judge Lord Ericht allowed developers to continue work short of production while they provided more detailed environmental assessments. Tessa Khan, executive director of the campaigning group Uplift, argued that approving Rosebank would be a disastrous decision for ordinary people and that the UK’s future lies in renewable energy. She urged Prime Minister Andy Burnham to prioritise renewables to build investor confidence, warning that green-lighting a major new oil field would have the opposite effect.

Supporters of the project argue that Rosebank will generate millions in tax for the Treasury and that UK and European energy markets are co-dependent. Neil McCulloch, chief executive of Adura, which owns 80% of Rosebank, pointed out that the field contains gas that could be piped to Shetland and the St Fergus terminal, potentially heating 500,000 British homes at peak production. McCulloch suggested that approval could pave the way for four more gas developments in the waters west of Shetland, including Tornado, Tornado East, Tobermory, and Suilven. Opponents counter that the oil would likely be sold on the international market and taken to continental Europe for refining, offering little direct benefit to the UK. The long-term trend for the industry is one of decline, with oil production peaking a quarter of a century ago and jobs in oil and gas disappearing faster than they are being created in renewable energy sectors. As the government decision approaches, workers on board remain focused on their duties, aware that the outcome will significantly impact their careers and the future of the North Sea energy sector.