MSS changes hands within A.P. Møller group

A.P. Møller Holding AS has paid USD 685 million to acquire Maersk Supply Service AS (MSS) from A.P. Møller-Maersk AS. The transfer of ownership is the latest move in the group’s strategy to channel A.P. Møller-Maersk into focusing on transport and logistics, rather than asset ownership.

The sale of MSS follows the disposal of Maersk Tankers, Maersk Oil & Gas, and Maersk Drilling.

The acquisition by A.P. Møller Holding will result in a change of emphasis at MSS. According to a statement, the MSS strategy will develop from servicing only the oil and gas sector to operating also in the renewable energy market, including offshore and floating wind. 

A.P, Møller Holding chief financial officer, Martin Larsen, said: "The capabilities and vessels Maersk Supply Service have built over more than 50 years supporting the oil and gas energy industry are much needed within offshore renewable energy, especially in the wind industry.

"As new owners, we will drive a transition of Maersk Supply Service to, over time, become a leading offshore marine company servicing the offshore wind industry. At the same time, we are pleased that this concludes the separation of energy-related activities from A.P. Moller–Maersk as initiated in 2016," he added.

Commenting for A.P. Møller-Maersk, chief financial officer Patrick Jany, said: "We are very pleased to see Maersk Supply Service will be able to continue to further develop new solutions for the green transition of the offshore sector under a new long-term ownership. This transaction validates the excellent work done by the team in the last years. At the same time, it marks the completion of our initial decision to divest all energy-related activities and focus on truly integrated logistics."