The State Attorney in Viborg, Denmark, has made the decision to terminate the investigation into Maersk Oil and Gas concerning allegations of illegal chemical emissions in the North Sea from 2009 to 2017. The case arose after a complaint from the Environmental Protection Agency in 2017, which reported that Maersk allegedly discharged a highly hazardous chemical without the requisite permits. However, the Attorney concluded that proving intent or negligence in court would be impossible, leading to the decision not to pursue charges against the company.

The investigation had seen a temporary halt in March 2019 but was reopened later that year after a former employee provided new information. Despite the renewed inquiry and interviews with several past employees of Maersk, the evidence was deemed inadequate to substantiate any legal action against the company. This matter is particularly significant as Maersk Oil and Gas, which was sold to TotalEnergies in August 2017, faced serious allegations impacting both the corporate reputation and environmental policies in Denmark.

This case highlights the challenges faced by prosecuting authorities in establishing liability in complex environmental cases. It raises questions about regulatory enforcement and the responsibilities of energy companies regarding emissions and environmental stewardship. The conclusion of this case without penalties may lead to discussions within Denmark regarding the adequacy of current environmental protections and the effectiveness of monitoring corporate compliance with established guidelines.