Shell and Equinor Form Adura, UK's Largest Independent North Sea Producer

1 December 2025

Key highlights

Adura assumes interests in 12 oil and gas assets, including Mariner, Rosebank, and Buzzard.
Adura is expected to produce over 140,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day by 2026.
Adura employs approximately 1,200 people and is headquartered in Aberdeen.

Formation of Adura

Shell U.K. Limited and Equinor UK Limited have completed a deal to merge their UK offshore oil and gas operations, forming a new company named Adura. This joint venture is now the largest independent producer in the UK North Sea.

Leadership and Expertise

Neil McCulloch, with over 30 years of experience in the energy sector, will lead Adura as CEO. The company combines decades of North Sea expertise from both Shell and Equinor, aiming to deliver a cost-competitive portfolio and maximize long-term value for UK assets.

Asset Portfolio

Adura assumes interests in 12 producing oil and gas assets, including Mariner, Rosebank, Buzzard, and others. It also holds several exploration licenses. The company is headquartered in Aberdeen, with staff from both Shell and Equinor transferring to ensure retention of industry-leading expertise.

Future Production

Adura is expected to produce over 140,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day by 2026, making it the leading producer in the UK North Sea according to data from Wood Mackenzie.

Source: Shell