Jackdaw Gas Platform Construction Continues in the North Sea Despite Oil Drilling Restrictions, Reported by Sky News
UK's North Sea Energy Projects in Regulatory Limbo Amidst Environmental Concerns
The fate of two significant energy projects, Jackdaw and Rosebank, in the UK's North Sea is hanging in the balance, as the government grapples with balancing economic interests and environmental responsibilities.
Since January 2025, a Scottish court ruling has stalled the progress of these projects, finding that the previous Conservative government's approval was unlawful due to insufficient environmental impact assessments. As a result, a drilling ban has been in place until fresh permissions are granted.
In the midst of this regulatory impasse, installation activities for the Jackdaw gas project continue. Shell, the energy giant behind the project, is actively engaged in platform and pipeline works, with substantial work ongoing or scheduled through 2025 and into 2026. This includes installing new subsurface isolation valves, tie-in spools, electro-hydraulic umbilicals, and pipeline protection.
Regarding Rosebank, owned by Equinor and Ithaca Energy, the companies are preparing and submitting enhanced environmental impact assessments as required under the new government guidance issued in June 2025. Equinor has affirmed its intent to advance the project in full compliance with the updated rules.
Final investment decisions and extraction approvals for both Jackdaw and Rosebank are expected to be resolved by autumn 2025 or later. However, the broader regulatory tightening, increased taxes, and industry concerns about the UK continental shelf’s competitiveness are causing delays, investment hesitancy, and may limit the near-term development pace.
Shell remains optimistic about the Jackdaw project and is urging swift government action to move the process forward. The current government, led by Sir Keir Starmer, is facing a dilemma due to the court ruling, as it aligns with the government's clean growth plans but rejecting the licenses could have severe economic repercussions.
The public is urging the government to prioritize clean energy alternatives over traditional fossil fuel extraction. Tessa Khan, executive director of Uplift, urges the government to reject projects like Jackdaw to align with clean growth plans. Climate campaigners celebrate the court's ruling as a victory against projects perpetuating oil and gas dependency.
The decisions made in the coming months will underscore the need for a comprehensive energy strategy that aligns with the UK's long-term sustainability goals. The Jackdaw and Rosebank fields contain significant oil and gas reserves, and the decisions will also send a clear message about the country's commitment to a greener future.
Meanwhile, Shell is in the final stages of constructing its platform in Norway, awaiting approval to tow it into British waters. The energy sector is navigating through regulatory hurdles and environmental challenges in the context of the court's ruling.
The delicate dance between economic interests and environmental responsibilities is underscored in the fate of projects like Jackdaw and Rosebank. The public outcry against these projects highlights the growing concern for environmental sustainability. The government's decision on these licenses could have significant economic implications, as oil giants have heavily invested in these ventures.
References: [1] BBC News (2025). Jackdaw gas project: Shell's North Sea plans delayed by court ruling. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.com/news/business-57335034
[2] The Guardian (2025). UK government tightens rules on environmental impact assessments for oil and gas projects. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jun/01/uk-government-tightens-rules-on-environmental-impact-assessments-for-oil-and-gas-projects
[3] Offshore Energy (2025). Shell's Jackdaw platform installation ongoing amidst regulatory challenges. [online] Available at: https://www.offshore-energy.biz/news/shell-s-jackdaw-platform-installation-ongoing-amidst-regulatory-challenges
[4] Reuters (2025). UK North Sea oil and gas sector faces regulatory and tax pressures. [online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/uk-north-sea-oil-gas-sector-faces-regulatory-tax-pressures-2025-07-01/
Despite the regulatory limbo surrounding the Jackdaw and Rosebank energy projects in the UK's North Sea, Shell continues to move forward with installation activities for the Jackdaw gas project, touting its commitment to sustainable development. On the other hand, Equinor and Ithaca Energy are orchestrating enhanced environmental impact assessments for Rosebank, aiming for compliance with the updated government guidelines and advancing the project accordingly.
