New discoveries were also made in Borneo and the Niger Delta, and commercial production of oil in Nigeria began in 1958.Society today faces a challenge on an unprecedented scale: how to meet increasing energy needs while reducing carbon emissions.The closure of the Suez Canal in 1967 for eight years confirmed the wisdom of Shell’s decision to invest in super tankers. Shell celebrates 105 years of helping build the nation and making its future better. Bulk transport substantially cut the cost of oil by enormously increasing the volume that could be carried. The day the telegram was received announcing the merger – April 23 – is now celebrated every year as Shell’s birthday.The merger with Royal Dutch signalled a period of rapid expansion as Shell (the Group’s name quickly became shortened to Shell) opened operations throughout Europe and in many parts of Asia. Shell Oil operates the Perdido Development, the world's deepest offshore drilling and production facility, located in about 8,000 ft. of water in the Gulf of Mexico. In 1993 Shell opened the world’s first commercial GTL plant in Bintulu, Malaysia, a pioneering step that set the stage for the increasing role this fuel would play over the next decade.In 1833, Marcus Samuel decided to expand his London business. On this page, we’ve looked at some of the key areas where we’ve made breakthroughs over the years, and where we’re still pushing boundaries today.A number of scientific advances at this time boosted the demand for oil, including the invention of the jet engine – its architect Sir Frank Whittle even worked for the company for a number of years.Shell was there alongside the earliest motorsport pioneers, helping to fuel their dreams of turning a new mode of transport into an exciting way to compete. Shell was a crucial partner to the Allies in both World Wars. And our leadership programmes enable talented individuals to become the energy industry leaders of tomorrow.Investment in research and development: $1.0 billionShell provides energy in a responsible way, helping the world move towards a future in which the energy used causes minimal impact on the planet.We believe that oil and gas will remain a vital part of the global energy mix for many decades to come. The parent company of the Shell group is Royal Dutch Shell plc, which is incorporated in England and Wales.Against this backdrop, we have the following strategic ambitions:Our strategy is to strengthen our position as a leading energy company by providing oil and gas and low-carbon energy as the world's energy system changes. Find out who owns Royal Dutch Shell, who bought RDS.B this quarter, and who sold RDS.B?