THE possible exploitation of Britain’s largest untapped oil and gas field, Rosebank, faces months of delays after vital equipment was reportedly lost in the Atlantic.

The incident comes just weeks before a government consultation on licensing Adura, a joint venture between Shell and Equinor, to drill the 300 million-barrel field.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham is believed to be poised to ditch Labour’s manifesto promise not to grant new licences and okay the scheme despite concerns it could breach climate obligations and would have little effect on domestic fuel prices.

But according to internal documents from contractor Odfjell Drilling, even if a licence was granted, no work could begin for months while a rig is returned to Bergen for repair.

Friends of the Earth Scotland’s Rosie Hampton said: “Any oil or gas extracted belongs to companies like Shell and Equinor who will sell it to the highest international bidder while continuing to pay as little tax as possible and cause ever more climate destruction. 

“New fossil fuels can never be compatible with our climate commitments.”