Germany

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Harbour is one of the largest oil and gas producers in Germany with a significant operated position. Production is both oil and gas and diversified across three production hubs: Mittelplate, Germany’s largest oil producing field, Langwedel-Holtebüttel which includes the major Völkersen gas field, and the Emlichheim heavy oil field.

Harbour also has a Technology & Service Centre in Barnstorf with a global core storage facility and apprentice training centre. Here we develop and optimise production techniques, curate drilling and simulate CO₂ injection in potential deposits. In addition, the decommissioning department in Barnstorf is dedicated to the plugging of former production wells and the abandonment and recultivation of former production facilities throughout Germany.

Production averaged 29 kboepd over the period from 3 September 2024 to 31 December 2024, contributing 10 kboepd to the Group’s full year production (2023: N/A). This reflects strong production efficiency from the three hubs compensating for delays to new wells and projects coming on-stream.

Most of Harbour’s operations in Germany are electrified and, as a result, the Business Unit has the lowest GHG emissions intensity, on a gross operated basis, in Harbour, largely reflecting development activities across the three production hubs.

Court Decision on the DUH Lawsuit against the LBEG regarding Mittelplate

In 2024, the German NGO Deutsche Umwelthilfe (DUH) filed a lawsuit against the State Office for Mining, Energy and Geology (LBEG) challenging the approval of the main operating plan for the Mittelplate oil production. No final decision has yet been taken in the main proceedings. On 26 February 2026, the Schleswig-Holstein Administrative Court ruled in first instance that the operating plan approval is to be regarded as invalid for the duration of the main proceedings.

Harbour Energy Germany has taken note of the court’s decision. We, as well as the competent supervisory and approval authorities, are convinced that the main operating plan for the Mittelplate drilling and production island was approved in full compliance with all applicable legal requirements. The facility has at all times been operated under close state supervision and in accordance with the existing regulations.

Safe oil production from Mittelplate, Germany’s largest oil field, makes a significant contribution to Germany’s energy supply and reduces the country’s dependence on imports. As the starting point of an extensive value chain, Mittelplate oil is a key economic factor for the west coast of Schleswig-Holstein and beyond. Around two thousand jobs and a wide range of everyday products used across the country depend on it.

The DUH argues that an FFH assessment obligation introduced by law only after the construction of the production island should also apply to the Mittelplate drilling and production island, even though the island already existed at that time. In contrast, the competent authorities and we, Harbour Energy Germany GmbH, take the view that this assessment obligation does not apply due to grandfathering provisions.

The 26 February 2026 court decision is not yet final. We filed an appeal with the Higher Administrative Court of Schleswig-Holstein.

Until a final decision is reached, safe operations will continue in close coordination with the authorities. In doing so, we will continue to make an important contribution to the region and beyond.