The offshore oil and gas industry in Europe is pivotal to the continent's energy supply, integrating exploration, extraction, and production activities deep within marine environments. Companies involved range from multinational corporations like Equinor and Shell to smaller specialized firms focused on offshore technologies and services. They offer a variety of products including crude oil, natural gas, and emerging renewable energy solutions. As the sector grapples with climate goals, the integration of innovations such as floating wind farms is becoming prominent, showcasing the industry's adaptability and commitment to sustainability while maintaining core production capabilities.


The list of investors in this article highlights a mix of corporate and private equity players, headquartered mainly in major European cities like London, Stavanger, and Oslo. With investor sizes ranging from small firms to multinational corporations, these entities were established between 1894 and 2011. In 2024, they completed a varied number of deals, from zero to over fifty, demonstrating their commitment and involvement in the offshore oil and gas sector.


Top 15 Offshore Oil and Gas Investors in Europe


1. Shell

  • Website: shell.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1907
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 20
  • LinkedIn: shell

Shell plc is a multinational oil and gas company based in London, England, with a history dating back to 1907. The company operates across the energy and chemicals sectors, providing essential products such as fuels, lubricants, and chemical solutions to a diverse range of industries globally. Shell is heavily involved in the extraction, refining, and distribution of oil and gas. Notably, Shell has made significant investments in offshore oil and gas, including the acquisition of oil assets from Petromanas Energy Inc. in Albania, which increased its stake from 25% to 100%. Additionally, Shell's joint venture with EDF Renewables North America to develop the Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind project in New Jersey showcases its commitment to offshore energy projects, further solidifying its role in the offshore sector. With a robust portfolio of investments and a focus on both traditional and renewable energy sources, Shell remains a key player in the offshore oil and gas industry.


2. HitecVision

  • Website: hitecvision.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Stavanger, Rogaland, Norway
  • Founded year: 1985
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • LinkedIn: hitecvision

HitecVision is a private equity investment firm based in Stavanger, Norway, founded in 1985. The firm specializes in the European energy sector, focusing on providing institutional capital to energy production and infrastructure projects. HitecVision emphasizes sustainability and the energy transition, managing private equity funds and partnering with various stakeholders to drive growth in renewable energy and related industries. Notably, HitecVision has been involved in several significant transactions in the offshore oil and gas context, including the acquisition of Atlantica Tender Drilling in 2011, which highlights their commitment to offshore drilling operations. They also participated in funding rounds for Vår Energi and Sval Energi, both of which are active in oil and gas production, and contributed to Noreco's equity financing, further solidifying their presence in the offshore oil and gas sector.


3. Equinor

  • Website: equinor.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Stavanger, Rogaland, Norway
  • Founded year: 1972
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 6
  • LinkedIn: equinor

Equinor ASA, founded in 1972 and headquartered in Stavanger, Norway, is a public entity operating primarily in the energy sector, with a focus on oil, gas, and renewable energy. The company is committed to sustainability and aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Equinor serves a diverse customer base, including governments and industries, providing energy solutions that address climate challenges while ensuring energy security. Notably, Equinor has been involved in significant transactions in the offshore oil and gas sector, including a post-IPO equity investment in Petrobras, which underscores their commitment to oil and gas investments. Additionally, their acquisition of a stake in Ørsted, while primarily focused on renewable energy, reflects their strategic investment approach. Equinor's venture capital arm has also participated in funding rounds for companies like Rovco, which operates in the offshore sector. Furthermore, their backing of offshore innovation programs, such as the North of Tyne Programme, indicates their ongoing engagement in offshore energy initiatives.


4. TotalEnergies


TotalEnergies is a corporate investor based in France, founded in 1924, and employs over 10,000 people. The company focuses on producing and marketing a diverse range of energy solutions, including oil, gas, and renewable energy, while committing to carbon neutrality by 2050. In recent years, TotalEnergies has made significant investments in the offshore oil and gas sector, including the acquisition of a 16.33% stake in Libya's Waha Oil concessions from Marathon Petroleum for $450 million, which grants access to over 500 million barrels of oil equivalent and immediate production of approximately 50,000 barrels per day. Additionally, they have acquired a portfolio of upstream LNG assets from Engie, becoming a partner in Cameron LNG, and finalized a 16.7% interest in the second liquefaction train of Qatargas II in Qatar. These transactions highlight TotalEnergies' commitment to expanding its offshore oil and gas operations while also diversifying into renewable energy solutions.


5. EV Private Equity


EV Private Equity is a private equity investment firm based in Stavanger, Rogaland, Norway, founded in 2002. The firm specializes in energy technology and sustainable investments, partnering with management teams to enhance business strategies and drive emissions reduction in energy-intensive sectors. Notably, EV Private Equity has invested in Aquaterra Energy, contributing between $10 million to $40 million to a company that operates in the offshore oil and gas sector, providing riser systems and offshore structures. They have also been involved in funding rounds for Energy Drilling and Abrado Wellbore Services, both of which are relevant to the offshore oil and gas industry. Their commitment to responsible investment practices positions them as a leader in the transition to a sustainable energy future while maintaining a foothold in traditional energy sectors.


6. Bgf

  • Website: bgf.co.uk
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2011
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 53
  • LinkedIn: bgfinvestments

BGF Investment Management Limited is a venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2011. The firm focuses on providing growth funding and value creation support to small and mid-sized businesses in the UK and Ireland. BGF addresses the funding gap in the market through minority investments and extensive support services. Notably, BGF has invested in several companies within the offshore oil and gas sector, including ROVOP, a subsea ROV services provider, which received significant funding to expand its fleet, and Magma Global, a manufacturer of carbon fibre pipes for the oil and gas industry, which received an equity investment to build a manufacturing facility. These transactions highlight BGF's active role in supporting the growth of businesses that are integral to the offshore oil and gas industry.


7. EQT Group

  • Website: eqtgroup.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1994
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 30
  • LinkedIn: eqt-partners

EQT Group is a private equity investment firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1994. The firm specializes in managing diverse investment portfolios across multiple sectors, including private equity, infrastructure, real estate, growth equity, and venture capital. EQT serves institutional investors by providing expertise in various geographies and sectors. Among its notable transactions, EQT acquired Aker Solutions in December 2013 for approximately $663 million, a key player in the oil and gas services industry. Additionally, in October 2012, EQT Infra acquired Tampnet for €202 million, a company recognized for operating the largest offshore high-capacity communication network, which is crucial for offshore oil and gas operations. These transactions illustrate EQT's active role in the offshore oil and gas sector, alongside its broader investment strategy.


8. Blue Water Energy LLP


Blue Water Energy LLP is a private equity firm based in London, England, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in providing growth capital and strategic support to businesses in the energy sector, with a particular emphasis on enhancing operations and promoting sustainable practices. Blue Water Energy has been involved in several notable transactions in the offshore oil and gas industry, including a $500 million investment in Siccar Point Energy, which focuses on offshore oil exploration in the UK North Sea, and a $250 million investment in Wellesley Petroleum, which also operates in offshore oil and gas. Additionally, they have invested in Mime Petroleum, further solidifying their presence in the offshore sector. While their overarching goal is to support the energy transition, their active investments in offshore oil and gas companies demonstrate their relevance in this field.


9. Groupe Crédit Agricole

  • Website: credit-agricole.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Montrouge, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1894
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 18
  • LinkedIn: credit-agricole

Groupe Crédit Agricole is a cooperative banking group based in Montrouge, Île-De-France, France, founded in 1894. It provides a comprehensive range of financial services, including banking, insurance, and investment management, catering to individual consumers, businesses, and organizations. The group emphasizes mutuality and social responsibility in its operations. Notably, Crédit Agricole has been involved in significant transactions within the offshore oil and gas context, such as providing $8 billion in post-IPO debt to the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company in June 2020 and $736 million to Reliance Industries in November 2021. These transactions highlight the investor's active role in financing major players in the oil and gas sector, indicating its relevance in this industry.


10. Maven Capital Partners

  • Website: mavencp.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2009
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 25
  • LinkedIn: maven-cp

Maven Capital Partners is a private equity firm based in Glasgow, Scotland, founded in 2009. The firm specializes in providing growth capital and investment solutions to small and mid-sized businesses across various sectors, including technology and healthcare. Notably, Maven has been involved in significant transactions within the oil and gas industry, such as leading an £8.5 million funding package to acquire two oil and gas businesses, Roberts Pipeline Machining and Wellclad, which were consolidated under the brand Glacier Energy Services. This new entity aims to deliver world-class technologies from its manufacturing facility in Central Scotland. Additionally, Maven has invested in Fletcher Shipping and ROVOP, companies that are connected to the maritime and subsea services essential for offshore oil and gas operations. These transactions highlight Maven's active role in the oil and gas sector, making them a relevant investor in this field.


11. Triton Partners


Triton Partners is a private equity investment firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 1997. The firm specializes in private equity and credit investments in European mid-market businesses, focusing on sectors such as Business Services, Industrial Tech, and Healthcare. Triton provides operational expertise and capital to help companies unlock their full potential, partnering with management teams to address challenges and drive growth. Notably, Triton has made significant investments in the offshore oil and gas context, including the acquisition of DeepOcean Group, where they became the majority owner, enhancing the company's balance sheet and liquidity. They also acquired FairWind A/S, which operates in the renewable energy sector, and MacGregor, a cargo handling specialist that plays a role in offshore logistics. These transactions highlight Triton's strategic involvement in industries that support offshore operations, reinforcing their relevance in the offshore oil and gas investment landscape.


12. Deutsche Bank

  • Website: db.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany
  • Founded year: 1870
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 32
  • LinkedIn: deutsche-bank

Deutsche Bank AG, founded in 1870 and headquartered in Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany, is a leading investment bank and financial services provider. With over 10,000 employees, it offers a wide range of solutions including investment banking, corporate banking, cash management, trade finance, and securities services. The bank serves corporate and institutional clients, helping them manage their financial assets and liquidity effectively through its digital platform, Autobahn. In recent transactions, Deutsche Bank has been involved in significant financing activities within the oil and gas sector, including a debt financing deal with Pemex, a key player in the offshore oil and gas industry. This transaction highlights Deutsche Bank's engagement in the sector, alongside other notable deals such as its participation in financing for Adani New Industries and Varo Energy, which, while primarily focused on sustainable energies, also indicates a broader interest in energy-related investments.


13. Mercuria


Mercuria Energy Group Ltd. is an energy trading company based in Geneva, Switzerland, founded in 2004. The firm operates globally in the commodity markets, focusing on crude oil, natural gas, and renewable energy. Mercuria provides trading services and invests in sustainable projects, catering to businesses transitioning to net zero. Their customer base includes various industries reliant on energy procurement and management. Notably, Mercuria has been involved in several significant transactions in the offshore oil and gas context, including a $650 million debt raise for Oando and an $825 million debt raise for MACH Resources. They also participated in a $700 million debt financing for Northwind Midstream Partners, further solidifying their role in the sector. Additionally, their acquisition of Noble Americas Gas & Power Corp. highlights their strategic investments in energy companies, reinforcing their relevance in the offshore oil and gas industry.


14. Ferd AS

  • Website: ferd.no
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Oslo, Oslo, Norway
  • Founded year: 1998
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • LinkedIn: ferd-as

Ferd AS is a private equity investment company based in Oslo, Norway, founded in 1998. The firm focuses on creating lasting value through diverse business activities, including investment management, real estate development, and support for social entrepreneurs. Ferd AS has a notable presence in the offshore energy sector, having participated in significant transactions such as the acquisition of Aibel, a company specializing in offshore wind and energy services, in a deal valued at approximately 1.5 billion NOK. Additionally, Ferd AS was involved in a post-IPO equity transaction with Petroleum Geo-Services, a key player in the oil and gas industry. Their investment strategy also includes participation in innovative ventures like Wind Catching Systems, which aims to enhance offshore wind technologies. These activities demonstrate Ferd AS's commitment to the offshore energy landscape, making them a relevant investor in this sector.


15. 3i Group plc

  • Website: 3i.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1945
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: 3i-group-plc

3i Group plc is a London-based private equity and infrastructure investment firm founded in 1945. The firm specializes in providing capital and expertise to mid-market companies, focusing on sustainable growth. With a diverse portfolio and a strong international presence, 3i Group aims to create value for its stakeholders through strategic investments. Among their notable transactions in the offshore oil and gas sector, 3i Group provided £50 million in equity financing to Noreco, a Norwegian energy company, in 2005, showcasing their commitment to the industry. They also acquired Esvagt in 2015, a company that offers vital services to the offshore energy sector, further emphasizing their involvement in this field. Additionally, their investment in Petrofac, a key player in the oil and gas services sector, highlights their strategic interest in companies that operate within the offshore oil and gas landscape.



Offshore Oil and Gas Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
ShellLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)10001+190720
HitecVisionStavanger, Rogaland, Norway51-20019850
EquinorStavanger, Rogaland, Norway10001+19726
TotalEnergiesFrance10001+192411
EV Private EquityStavanger, Rogaland, Norway11-5020020
BgfLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200201153
EQT GroupStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000199430
Blue Water Energy LLPLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-5020110
Groupe Crédit AgricoleMontrouge, Île-De-France, France10001+189418
Maven Capital PartnersGlasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)51-200200925
Triton PartnersLuxembourg201-50019976
Deutsche BankFrankfurt, Hesse, Germany10001+187032
MercuriaGeneva, Geneva, Switzerland1001-500020047
Ferd ASOslo, Oslo, Norway51-20019980
3i Group plcLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)201-50019453


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