In 2006 Maersk Oil America Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Maersk Inc., acquired a 33.33% interest in 104 exploration leases in the western US Gulf of Mexico. The leases cover a total area of some 2,000 sq.kms in water depths up to 1,500 meters. Hess Corporation is operating the leases with a 66.67% interest.

In February 2007 Maersk Oil Gulf of Mexico acquired a 50% share in ExxonMobil's interest in 37 leases in the central US Gulf of Mexico. After expiration of some leases, the remaining 24 leases - operated by ExxonMobil, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, Devon og Hydro - cover an area of some 600 sq.kms. in water depths up to 2,400 meters.

The assignment of interests to Maersk Oil Gulf of Mexico is subject to approval by the US Department of Interior’s Minerals Management Service (MMS).

Further, in March 2008 Maersk Oil Gulf of Mexico was awarded two leases, Green Canyon 990 and Walker Ridge 314 in the Central Gulf of Mexico.

See also press release of 22 September 2006.
See also press release of 15 February 2007.