Shell is a global group of energy and petrochemical companies. In the 1980s, Shell grew through acquisition and started some of its challenging offshore exploration projects. During the 1990s Shell founded its LNG business and in early 2000 it started moving into new growth areas in the East. In 2005, Royal Dutch and Shell Transport were unified under Royal Dutch Shell plc.
Royal Dutch Shell PLC aims to meet the energy needs of society by employing methods that are economically, socially and environmentally viable. Initially the company’s operating structure consisted of:
Exploration & Production: this involves the search for and recovery of, oil and natural gas around the world. Many of these activities are carried out as joint venture partnerships, often with national oil companies.
Gas & Power: the business liquefies gas and transports it to customers across the world.
Chemicals: production of petrochemicals for industrial customers which include the raw materials for plastics, coatings and detergents used in the manufacture of textiles, medical supplies and computers.
Plans are in progress to reorganize the upstream businesses of Exploration & Production and Gas & Power into Upstream Americas and Upstream International. The Oil Sands business will become part of Upstream Americas and the Oil Products and Chemicals businesses will remain in the Downstream organization.
The group undertakes major world projects including The Athabasca Oil Sands Project (Upstream Americas) that involves the extraction of bitumen from oil sands to convert it to synthetic crude oil and, Sakhalin II, one of the world’s largest integrated, export-oriented oil and gas projects and Russia’s first offshore gas project. When running at full capacity, expected in 2010, Sakhalin II will add 5% to the world’s current liquefied natural gas (LNG) capacity. It will meet almost 8% of Japan’s gas needs and 5% of South Korea’s
Royal Dutch Shell PLC continues to work closely with its customers, partners and policymakers to advance more efficient and sustainable use of energy and natural resources.