Ankara: An Argentine federal court ordered the suspension of work linked to the Sea Lion oil project north of the Falkland Islands. This project involves Israeli company Navitas Petroleum and British firm Rockhopper Exploration, according to Argentine media.
According to Anadolu Agency, Federal Judge Mariel Borruto, based in Rio Grande in the Tierra del Fuego province, granted a preliminary injunction that requires the companies to cease operations essential for developing the offshore oil project. This order specifically halts activities such as drilling, subsea installations, and the commencement of commercial oil production, as per the details of the ruling.
The Sea Lion project is situated 220 kilometers (137 miles) north of the Falkland Islands, a region administered by the UK but claimed by Argentina. Navitas and Rockhopper made a final investment decision on the project slated for late 2025. The decision to suspend activities follows a lawsuit filed by the Center of Ex-Combatants of the Falkland Islands in La Plata and an environmental lawyers' association. These groups seek to halt the project due to environmental and sovereignty concerns.
Judge Borruto mandated the suspension until an environmental impact assessment is completed by the relevant Argentine authorities. Additionally, the companies are required to disclose information about the project's status, its timeline, wells, floating production facilities, contractors, funding sources, insurers, and environmental studies.
The court emphasized that this measure is provisional and does not serve as a conclusive ruling on the companies' liability or on the issues presented in the main case. Argentina has been intensifying its legal and diplomatic actions against oil companies operating in the vicinity of the Falkland Islands.
President Javier Milei's administration opposes the development, asserting that the islands and surrounding maritime areas are part of Argentine territory. The UK, which has administered the islands since 1833, rejects Argentina's sovereignty claim and supports economic activities on the territory.