BP has said it is putting its North Sea business up for sale, a move it says would bring an end to 60 years of oil and gas production in the region. The decision follows a review of the group’s operations as BP looks to slim down its wider portfolio. The North Sea business includes five production hubs—two in the central North Sea and three west of Shetland—and employs about 1,100 people. Sale Linked To BP’s Portfolio ReviewBP said the sale is part of efforts to refocus capital and direct investment towards what it calls its highest-value opportunities. The company did not name potential buyers, but it said it expects the assets to be better positioned under new ownership. BP chief executive Meg O’Neill, who became CEO in April, said earlier this year that the North Sea still had “untapped potential”. Announcing the sale on Friday, she said BP believes the operation’s assets and workforce could attract an owner willing to support the next phase of the business. BP said it is seeking an outcome that recognises what it called the value of the North Sea operation, describing it as having world-class staff, resilient assets and a long heritage. Jobs And Safety During The Sale ProcessBP said it will continue to run the North Sea operations safely and reliably throughout the sale process. The company said it remains committed to maintaining production and operational standards while the transaction is progressed. The North Sea business produced 117,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day in 2025. That output is a small share of BP’s total production, which the company reported at 2.3 million barrels of oil equivalent per day. The sale could potentially generate £2bn for BP. The Financial Times reported last month that BP had been in talks with Ithaca Energy about selling its North Sea assets for about that amount, but the discussions ended without a deal. Political Backdrop In The UK And USThe move comes as political debate continues over the pace of North Sea drilling. Earlier this week, UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he had told US President Donald Trump he would take a “pragmatic approach” on North Sea oil and gas. Trump, some trade unions, industry figures and some Labour MPs have backed plans for increased drilling in the region. BP said the UK has been part of its business for more than 100 years and will continue to play a significant role in its future. The company also said it is proud of the jobs it supports and its contribution to the UK economy. BP employs about 13,960 people in the UK. Join the discussion? 31 July 2026
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