OMNI Features｜Equinor Acquires 9.8% Stake in Ørsted A/S and Becomes the 2nd-Largest Shareholder．Norwegian TGS Halts Australia's Largest Offshore 3D Seismic Survey．HD Hyundai Heavy Industries' Offshore Wind Floater Model Earns ABS Approval

(Source: Equinor)

｜Equinor Acquires 9.8% Stake in Ørsted becomes the 2nd-Largest Shareholder
Equinor ASA has acquired 41,197,344 shares in Ørsted A/S, representing 9.8% of the company's shares and voting rights. This purchase makes Equinor the second-largest shareholder in Ørsted, following the Danish State, which retains a controlling interest.

Equinor CEO Anders Opedal emphasized the company's commitment to Ørsted's long-term growth, noting this investment aligns with Equinor’s strategy for value-driven growth in renewables. Opedal stated that despite current challenges in the offshore wind industry, Equinor remains confident in the sector’s future role in the energy transition and will support Ørsted's management without seeking board representation.

Ørsted currently holds a net renewable generation capacity of approximately 10.4 GW, with offshore wind projects totaling around 7 GW under development. With a long-term goal of achieving up to 38 GW by 2030, Ørsted aims to solidify its leadership in renewables. Equinor plans to gradually increase its stake to 10%, contingent upon regulatory approvals, within its financial framework.

｜Norwegian TGS Halts Australia's Largest Offshore 3D Seismic Survey
Norwegian seismic company TGS has canceled its planned multi-client 3D survey in the Otway Basin off Australia's coast, a move celebrated by environmentalists. TGS originally sought approval in 2022 to gather 3D data for improved subsurface imaging in waters off Victoria and Tasmania, covering up to 15,000 square KM. The Australian Energy Producers (AEP) expressed concern over the cancellation, citing risks to energy security and potential gas shortages in eastern Australia. AEP's CEO, Samantha McCulloch, criticized increasing regulations that she claims deter critical investment in new gas supplies.

Environmental groups lauded TGS's decision, stating that community opposition had already led to reductions in the survey area. Freja Leonard of the No More Gas campaign called this a victory for marine protection, warning of seismic surveys' harmful effects on marine life, including endangered species.

｜HD Hyundai Heavy Industries' Offshore Wind Floater Model Earns ABS Approval
HD Hyundai Heavy Industries announced that their independently developed offshore wind floater models have received basic certification from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) during the 2024 Offshore Korea exhibition held in Busan. The models, available in 15 MW and 18 MW versions, have been recognized for their safety and performance viability at the conceptual and basic design stages.

The 15 MW central-type floater is a semi-submersible model with a turbine located at its center to minimize movement. Additionally, the company has also developed an 18 MW eccentric-type floater, designed to offer enhanced stability in rough seas with high waves and strong winds.

Reference: Equinor｜upstreamonline｜hankyung.com