Our Businesses
Globally, our exploration and production activities consist of two organizations: Upstream Americas covering North and South America; and Upstream International, covering the rest of the world. We search for and recover oil and natural gas, and extract heavy oil from oil sands for conversion into synthetic crude. We liquefy natural gas by cooling and transporting it to customers around the world. Our gas to liquids (GTL) process turns natural gas into liquid fuels and other products. We often work in joint ventures, including those with national oil companies. We are also developers of wind power to generate electricity.
Our Downstream businesses make, move and sell a range of oil products and chemicals for domestic, industrial and transport use. With around 43,000 service stations, Shell has the world's largest single-branded fuel retail network. Our chemicals are the raw materials for plastics, coatings and detergents used in the manufacture of textiles, medical supplies and computers. The business also includes our activities in biofuels, and it coordinates CO2 management activities across the company.
Our Projects & Technology business manages the delivery of Shell's major projects and drives its research and technology development program. Projects & Technology provides technical services and technology capability to the Upstream and Downstream organizations. It oversees safety and environmental performance and manages contracting and procurement across Shell.