Argentine court suspends Sea Lion work near the Falkland Islands
An Argentine federal court has ordered the suspension of work related to the offshore Sea Lion oil project, located 220 kilometers north of the Falkland Islands. The preliminary injunction applies to Israel’s Navitas Petroleum and the UK’s Rockhopper Exploration. Argentine media reported the decision, Anadolu Agency reports.
What the court injunction provides for
Federal Judge Mariel Borruto, who works in the city of Río Grande in Tierra del Fuego Province, ordered the companies not to begin or continue work necessary for the project’s implementation. The ruling covers drilling, installation of subsea infrastructure, and the start of commercial oil production.
The injunction will remain in force until the relevant Argentine authorities conduct an environmental impact assessment of the project. The court also ordered the companies to provide data on the status of Sea Lion, the work schedule, wells, floating production facilities, contractors, sources of financing, insurers, and environmental studies.
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Lawsuit and status of the ruling
The lawsuit was filed by the Center of Former Combatants for the Falkland Islands in La Plata and an association of environmental lawyers. They demanded that the project be halted for environmental reasons and due to sovereignty issues.
The court stressed that the measure is temporary and does not constitute a final decision on the companies’ liability or all issues raised in the main case. Navitas Petroleum and Rockhopper Exploration made a final investment decision on Sea Lion at the end of 2025.
The Falkland Islands are administered by the United Kingdom, while Argentina claims sovereignty over the archipelago and adjacent maritime areas. The government of President Javier Milei opposes development of the field, while the United Kingdom supports economic activity in the islands’ territory.
