When could One-Dyas begin offshore work near Borkum?

Preparatory works can proceed under immediate enforcement, while the main lawsuits continue. Operators aim to start before summer, but timing still depends on weather, vessel availability, and compliance with permit conditions. Any new guidance on protected marine areas could also influence scheduling and the order of activities.

What does immediate enforcement allow in this case?

Immediate enforcement lets the company act on existing permits while legal challenges proceed. It covers steps like site preparation and mobilization under defined environmental conditions. It does not decide the core lawsuits on their merits, and future rulings could adjust scope or impose additional mitigation requirements.

What are the key risks investors should monitor now?

Watch policy shifts on protected marine areas, environmental monitoring results, and cross-border coordination with the Netherlands. Also track logistics, insurance, and community engagement. Compensation exposure seems lower than earlier warnings, but contract terms, causation, and timing remain decisive if claims arise after investments proceed.

Will this ruling lower German gas prices?

Any price impact is likely modest. The main benefit is improved supply planning and diversity from North Sea sources, which can reduce volatility during tight periods. Prices will still be driven by storage levels, LNG markets, and seasonal demand, not by a single project’s ramp-up.

Law and Government

Borkum Gas Drilling February 3: Court Clears One-Dyas to Start by Summer

ByDanny Kontos February 3, 2026February 3, 2026

Borkum gas drilling moves ahead after a German court upheld immediate enforcement for One-Dyas, clearing a path to start before summer while main lawsuits continue. For Germany, this ruling signals near-term support for EU supply security and a modest buffer for future winters. We see policy and legal risks still alive, as Berlin weighs limits in protected marine areas. Early signals suggest potential compensation exposure for the state could be lower than previously warned by officials. Investors should watch permitting steps and operational milestones as the One-Dyas gas project aligns cross-border infrastructure near Borkum. The focus for Borkum gas drilling now shifts to timing and compliance.