An existing Altera Infrastructure-operated floating production, storage and offloading vessel has emerged as the clear front-runner in Equinor's plans to develop the challenging and closely watched Rosebank oilfield in the UK West of Shetland area.

According to well-placed sources, the Petrojarl Knarr FPSO looks almost certain to be selected by the Norwegian state-controlled company as its preferred choice to develop Rosebank, although they cautioned a final decision is yet to be taken.