Friday 31 July 2026
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BP looking to sell North Sea assets

Among its North Sea portfolio are the Clair fields to the west of Shetland, which sees oil piped to Sullom Voe Terminal

The Clair Ridge platform west of Shetland. Photo: BP

ENERGY giant BP has announced that it is launching a process to market its North Sea business for a potential sale.

Its portfolio includes oil assets Glen Lyon, Clair and Clair Ridge to the west of Shetland.

Oil from the Clair fields travels by pipeline to Sullom Voe Terminal (SVT) in Shetland.

Back in 2019 it was revealed that a review was being undertaken on the export of oil from the Clair field around 75 kilometres to the northwest of Shetland, and last year it was confirmed that discussions were still ongoing.

Also included in the North Sea portfolio are Andrew and ETAP in the Central North Sea.

The decision forms part of BP’s ongoing portfolio review and reflects its “disciplined approach to capital allocation”.

BP, which has been operating in the North Sea for many decades and formerly operated SVT, said the aim is to create a “simpler, stronger and more valuable company”.

Chief executive officer Meg O’Neill, said: “The UK has been our home for more than 100 years and will continue to play an important role in our future.

“We’re proud of the jobs we create, the contribution we make to the UK economy, and the work we do to keep energy flowing every day.

“The North Sea remains integral to the UK’s energy system.

“However, as we focus our portfolio and direct capital to our highest-value opportunities, we believe our North Sea business will be better positioned as part of another company.

“It has world-class people, resilient assets and a proud heritage, and it is precisely these qualities that can attract an owner ready to back its next chapter.

“We are seeking an outcome that recognises that value.”

In 2025 BP employed 13,962 people in the UK, including around 1,100 in its North Sea business.

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