BP to sell North Sea business after 60 years

BP is putting its UK North Sea business up for sale after 60 years of production.

The energy giant says the decision forms part of a strategy to slim down the group.

The announcement comes after Prime Minister Andy Burnham left the door open for future North Sea drilling as he confirmed he told Donald Trump “we can’t ignore” its resources.

BP’s North Sea business has five production hubs – two in the central North Sea and three west of Shetland – and produced 117,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day in 2025.

Some 1100 staff work for the North Sea business, part of BP’s approximately 13,960-strong UK workforce.

Meg O’Neill, BP chief executive, said the North Sea business would be “better positioned as part of another company”.

She said: “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.”

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