Maersk Oil will become part of a leading global oil and gas operator with a long-term investment interest in the sector. Total will take over Maersk Oil’s entire organisation, portfolio, obligations and rights with minimal pre-conditions. Planned development schedules and investments in strategic and sanctioned projects will be upheld.
With the agreement A.P. Moller – Maersk is taking a material step forward in its strategy to separate out its oil and oil related activities to create an integrated transport & logistics company, and this transaction will contribute significantly to upholding its strong capital structure.
“In determining the best future ownership structure for Maersk Oil, it has been imperative for us that the capabilities and assets created in Maersk Oil continue to be developed, and that long-term investments are upheld, especially in the Danish part of the North Sea,” says Søren Skou, CEO of A.P. Moller – Maersk.
Supermajor Total in new Option Agreement with Eco for 25% interest in Orinduik Block
“The valuation of Maersk Oil and Total’s commitment is a testament to the quality and standing of Maersk Oil. In addition, the agreement will strengthen the financial flexibility of A.P. Moller – Maersk and free up resources to focus our future growth on container shipping, ports and logistics.”
Denmark will become the regional hub for all Total’s operations in Denmark, Norway and the Netherlands, based on Maersk Oil’s capabilities and strong position in the North Sea region.
“Maersk Oil’s activities across the North Sea will become part of a leading global operator with a strong performance record and long-term growth interest in the sector. The combination of Total and Maersk Oil’s global footprint and geographical overlap will ensure the continued development of Maersk Oil’s worldwide strategic and selective assets. By selling to Total, we ensure a continued Danish stronghold in the North Sea based on Maersk Oil’s leading position within technology development and its track record as a lean, efficient and trusted partner,” says Claus V. Hemmingsen, Vice CEO of A.P. Moller – Maersk and CEO of the Energy division.
Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and CEO of Total, said, “I welcome Maersk Oil to the Total family. Building on Maersk Oil’s high safety standards, strong technological leadership, operational excellence and strong Danish heritage, we will intensify and accelerate the push to optimise and extend the Danish oil and gas production.”
A.P. Moller – Maersk has been the main operator in the Danish North Sea for half a century, establishing and maintaining Denmark’s position as self-sufficient within oil and gas. With Maersk Oil at the forefront, the Danish oil and gas industry has contributed DKK 400bn in taxes to Denmark over the past 50 years, and provides employment to 15.000 people in the sector. In addition, Maersk Oil has significant presence in the British and Norwegian sectors, with nine licenses in Norway, including an 8.44% ownership of Johan Sverdrup, one of Norway’s largest discoveries ever. In the United Kingdom, Maersk Oil operates several offshore installations, as well as leading a number of project developments; most notably the Culzean gas development, where Maersk Oil is the operator and holds a 49.9 % ownership.
The separation of the energy businesses was decided as part of last year’s strategic decision to focus A.P. Moller – Maersk’s future activities on transport and logistics, as well as a result of recent years’ oil and gas industry and market developments. Maersk Oil is the first of the four energy companies of A.P. Moller – Maersk for which a future structural solution has now been identified. The solutions for Maersk Drilling, Maersk Supply Service and Maersk Tankers remain to be defined before the end of 2018.
