Maersk Oil in Norway has been preliminarily awarded 2 new exploration licences – PL472 (Blocks 6406/2 & 6406/3) and PL474 (Blocks 6406/1 & 6406/2) - see map.

Wintershall is operator in both licences (40% equity). Maersk Oil holds an equity interest of 35% and 30% in the 2 licences respectively.

Comment:

“The commitment work programmes for the new licences comprise of the re-processing of existing 3D seismic data and technical evaluation work. Potential exploration drilling will be determined at a later date.”

Anders Wurtzen, Head of Business Services

12 February 2008