FID secured for Sea Lion field offshore Falklands, first oil targeted 2028

(WO) - Navitas Petroleum Development and Production Ltd. (NPDP), a subsidiary of Navitas Petroleum, together with partner Rockhopper Exploration plc, has taken a final investment decision (FID) on the Sea Lion oilfield development, clearing the way for the first producing project offshore the Falkland Islands. 

The Sea Lion field is located about 220 km north of the Falkland Islands and contains an estimated 319 million barrels of certified oil resources. Phase 1 of the development is designed to deliver peak production of approximately 50,000 bpd, with first oil targeted for the first half of 2028.

Under the approved development plan, Phase 1 will comprise the drilling of 11 subsea wells tied back to a redeployed floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel. A second phase, expected within three years of first oil, would add an additional 12 wells, expanding plateau production and extending field life.

NPDP plans to open an Aberdeen office in early 2026 to support delivery of the project, complementing existing teams in London and Stanley. Project execution will follow UK and international regulatory and operational standards, drawing on experience from previous exploration and appraisal activity in the basin.

“The UK and Falkland Islands’ supply chain has already successfully delivered 29 exploration and appraisal wells in the region,” said Ian Ramsay, chief operating officer of NPDP. “The development will be progressed to industry and regulatory standards and create jobs both in the UK and the Falklands.”

Beyond offshore development activity, NPDP said the project is expected to generate long-term employment across engineering, project management, manufacturing and operations, with economic benefits extending across the UK supply chain and into the Falkland Islands. The company plans targeted investments in housing and supply base infrastructure to support onshore operations while seeking to avoid pressure on existing local labor capacity.

Sea Lion is expected to progress through multiple development phases over its operating life, with future planning to be coordinated from NPDP’s UK offices. NPDP holds a 65% interest in the project, with Rockhopper Exploration holding the remaining 35%.

If brought fully onstream as planned, Sea Lion would establish a new producing basin in the South Atlantic, marking a major milestone for offshore development in the region.