Media reports today are suggesting that Shell is about to unload $15 billion in global assets, including some in the North Sea. The company announced in October it would undertake a number of key divestitures during 2014 and 2015, and new chief executive Ben van Beurden has shown signs that he will tighten spending. An analyst noted that 80% of Shell’s production in the North Sea comes from 20% of its assets there. A source told the Financial Times that Shell could also be considering selling off refining assets.