#USA #Methane Emissions #Gulf of America #Shell #MiQ

Shell Achieves A Grade Certification from MiQ

In a landmark achievement, MiQ, a global leader in methane emissions certification, has granted Shell Offshore Inc. (commonly known as Shell) an A grade for its entire production portfolio in the Gulf of America (GoA). This certification designates Shell as the first operator in this region to receive MiQ's prestigious acknowledgment, further solidifying its commitment to sustainable environmental practices.

All ten of Shell's production facilities in the GoA were subjected to a thorough evaluation under the MiQ methane emissions standards. To earn the A grade, Shell successfully demonstrated a low methane intensity coupled with robust corporate practices and comprehensive methane monitoring programs aimed at detecting and mitigating emissions.

As a nonprofit organization, MiQ was established to offer independent, credible data regarding methane emissions to the oil and gas sector. Its mission is to expedite the global reduction of methane emissions, operating without any shareholder influence or commercial interests tied to certification outcomes. By collaborating with MiQ, all operators must engage an auditor who conducts an annual, detailed field-based assessment of natural gas production at the facility level, adhering strictly to MiQ's standards.

This certification is also groundbreaking as it marks the first instance where MiQ has covered emissions from offshore oil production, highlighting the potential for independent methane certification to extend beyond gas production. Shell, being the first international energy company to receive such certification for offshore oil production, is gaining invaluable expertise in monitoring, reporting, and verification processes.

Operating as a key player in the Gulf of America, Shell boasts one of the lowest greenhouse gas intensities in oil production globally. Between 2016 and 2025, the company successfully achieved a 40% reduction in methane emissions while simultaneously increasing production by 40%. Furthermore, Shell is a founding member of the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership (OGMP) 2.0 and reached the Gold Standard for its global activities in the most recent reporting year of 2024.

MiQ is now overseeing more than 30% of U.S. natural gas production and over 7% of the global gas supply. Its certification framework is implemented in the U.S., Canada, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Japan, and the EU, collaborating with governments, regulatory bodies, and operators to enhance methane transparency in key producing and importing markets.

Georges Tijbosch, CEO of MiQ, expressed that Shell's certification in the Gulf of America represents a significant milestone for transparency regarding methane emissions. He emphasized that credible emission data are crucial for compliance and market access in the future. The MiQ certification system is a tested solution that facilitates a swift reduction of methane emissions from the oil and gas industry by providing reliable emissions data.

Mahamat Abdelsalam, Shell's Vice President for Safety and Environment in the Gulf of America, emphasized that achieving the A grade signifies Shell's exceptional operational performance and disciplined approach to offshore operations. He assured that the company will continue to design and operate its facilities in a manner that enables the competitive production of lower-carbon-intensive barrels.

Shell's production in the Gulf of America stands out due to its remarkably low greenhouse gas intensities, which is particularly competitive when compared to other oil and gas producers in the International Association of Oil & Gas Producers (IOGP).

About MiQ

MiQ is a globally recognized nonprofit organization dedicated to providing credible certification and data on methane emissions. Its objective is to accelerate the reduction of methane emissions by offering a transparent and reliable certification system that promotes regulatory compliance, incentivizes continuous improvement, and ensures accountability across the oil and gas supply chain.