By Christie U. Omonigho
Energy Window International (Media) – Shell U.K. Limited, a subsidiary of Shell plc (LSE: SHEL, NYSE: ADR SHEL, AMS EURONEXT: SHELL, “Shell”) and Equinor UK Limited, a subsidiary of Equinor ASA (OSE: EQNR, NYSE: EQNR, “Equinor”) said they have completed a deal to combine their UK offshore oil and gas operations to form a new company. Adura, which launched this day, will be the largest independent producer in the UK North Sea.
Neil McCulloch, who will lead Adura as CEO, bringing more than 30 years’ experience in the energy sector, said: “It’s a rare privilege to be part of a company’s first chapter. A commitment to safety, a belief in the future of the North Sea, and the combined expertise from Equinor and Shell form the foundation of our exciting new company. I can’t wait to begin working with this exceptional team.”
Adura, jointly owned by Shell (50%) and Equinor (50%), will combine decades of North Sea expertise into a joint venture and thus positioned to deliver a more cost-competitive portfolio and maximize long-term value for UK assets.
Shell’s Executive Vice President for Conventional Oil & Gas, Rich Howe said: “Forming the largest independent producer together with Equinor is an historic moment for our business and the UK energy industry. With an exceptional asset base and industry leading expertise, Adura is well-positioned to lead in this mature basin.”
Equinor’s Executive Vice President for Exploration and Production International, Philippe Mathieu, also said: “Adura represents a new chapter in the UK North Sea, bringing together two strong portfolios and decades of experience. With the focus, scale and operational flexibility needed to succeed, the company is positioned for long-term impact. As owners, we are confident that Adura will generate long-term value and reinforce the UK North Sea’s role in meeting the country’s energy needs.”
In an email statement to Energy Window International (Media), Shell said Adura assumes Equinor and Shell’s interests in 12 producing oil and gas assets and projects in execution, including: Mariner, Rosebank, Buzzard, Shearwater, Penguins, Gannet, Nelson, Pierce, Jackdaw, Victory, Clair and Schiehallion. It says it also holds a number of exploration licenses. With its headquartered in Aberdeen, staff from both Shell and Equinor has automatically moved into Adura, ensuring that industry-leading expertise is retained.
Adura which is expected to produce over 140,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day in 2026 has, according to Shell approximately 1,200 people in its employment
According to data produced by Wood Mackenzie, Adura is expected to produce more oil and gas from the UK North Sea than any other producer in 2026.
EWI Publishers also gathered that Equinor would retain ownership of its cross-border assets, Utgard, Barnacle and Statfjord and offshore wind portfolio including Sheringham Shoal, Dudgeon, Hywind Scotland and Dogger Bank. It will also retain the hydrogen, carbon capture and storage, power generation, battery storage and gas storage assets.
Shell U.K. Limited will retain ownership of its interests and projects that are part of the UK SEGAL system, namely Fife NGL Plant, St Fergus Gas Terminal and the Braefoot Bay facility, and in the Bacton onshore gas terminal and multiple assets in the Southern North Sea. It also retains its interest in the Howe asset as well as a number of assets that are post cessation of production, Shell said.