In 1962, a joint venture was formed for the initial exploration and possible development and production activities in Denmark. The venture was named Dansk Undergrunds Consortium (DUC).  Maersk Oil is the operator of all licences held by A.P. Møller - Mærsk A/S, on the behalf of the DUC which comprises A.P. Møller , Shell and Chevron.

In July 2012, state-owned Danish North Sea Fund entered the DUC with a 20% interest, diluting the shares of A.P. Møller (31.2%), Shell (36.8%) and Chevron (12.0%). A.P. Møller has also acquired a number of licences outside the DUC, operated by Maersk Oil, currently operating Licences 9/95, 8/06 and 9/06. Total acreage is 2,125km2.