Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Nordic Oil, Energy & Gas - Denmark
Danish oil creates growth and welfare Denmark is one of Europe’s oil nations. Even though Denmark may, in a global context, be a minor oil nation, it remains the only country within the European Union that is self-sufficient in oil and gas – and has been so since 1990. By Martin Næsby, managing director of Oil Gas Denmark | Press Photo
The industry has created growth and welfare for decades since the first oil was produced by A.P. Møller-Maersk in 1972. Danish oil is currently produced in 17 fields, all situated offshore about 200 kilometres west of Esbjerg, the energy metropolis of Denmark. 15,000 people are directly or indirectly employed by the Danish oil and gas sector, and there is a growing demand for a qualified work force. For every employee of the oil companies, a further eight are employed in the supplier and service indus-
By Martin Næsby, managing director of Oil Gas Denmark.
48 | Issue 65 | June 2014
tries, delivering everything from high-tech equipment, design and engineering to catering and cleaning on platforms. The Danish oil and gas sector accounts for 9 per cent of Denmark’s total exports, and last year the industry contributed DKK 25 billion to the state in tax revenues. This amount could build a new Great Belt Fixed Link bridge and a bit more. The sector is thus one of the industry sectors that alone contributes the most to the Danish economy.
The Danish share of the North Sea still holds considerable oil and gas resources. It will take big investments and a coordinated effort to realise this potential. Simply put, Denmark may be a small oil nation – but one with great potential for creating further employment, growth and welfare for many years to come.
For more information, please visit: www.oilgasdenmark.dk